Protestors disrupt policing community event in Belfast
Police say a meeting focusing on creating safer communities has been disrupted by protestors in Belfast.
The North Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (DPCSP) was meeting on Tuesday afternoon in Girdwood Community Hub.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "During the course of this event, a number of protestors some of whom were masked entered the building and disrupted the public meeting by behaving in a disorderly manner to the extent that it had to be moved to another room within the community hub and concluded the agenda business.
“A similar protest at a DPCSP meeting in St Comgall's in west Belfast on Monday also resulted in disruption to the public meeting and, again, the partnership activity resumed undeterred.
“Many of those attending both meetings reported feeling threatened and intimidated. Whilst we would always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, disorderly behaviour which prevents a lawful public meeting is not acceptable.
"We have commenced an immediate investigation in respect to these incidents, which includes the reviewing of video evidence which was gathered at both events.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information on those who behaved a disorderly manner at these events to contact police on 101 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800555111
"These partnerships carry out crucial work together with our communities to identify issues of concern and prepare plans to deliver practical solutions. We would like to acknowledge the majority support for the DPCSP’s work and always welcome effective, responsible and meaningful channels for accountability and engagement.
“We will be working with Police and Community Safety Partnership chairs to ensure that moving forward these meetings can take place in a safe and orderly fashion free from unlawful harassment and intimidation.”
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