Outrage as PSNI stop and search child

An 11-year-old Bessbrook schoolgirl was stopped and searched by the PSNI as she made her way to camogie training in Camlough, South Armagh, on Thursday 6 May.

The girl was made to empty her sports bag onto a grass verge by a member of the PSNI, who searched through her sportsgear before allowing her to go on to her training.

The girl's mother said she was very angry that her daughter had been singled out and searched in the way she was.

"I could not believe it when she told me what had happened. What was he looking for? He had no right to stop an 11-year-old girl, there was no reason for him to do that".

The girl's family sought legal advice with a view to lodging a complaint with the Police Ombudsman's Office. The family's solicitor, Ciarán Maguire, confirmed he will be asking the Ombudsman to formally commence an investigation into the matter.