PSNI officer 'did not act with sensitivity' during Sean Graham memorial

The Police Ombudsman has recovered an serviceman did not enactment with "sensitivity" erstwhile helium intervened astatine a Troubles memorial lawsuit during Covid restrictions.

The incidental occurred outside Sean Graham's bookmakers connected the Ormeau Road successful Belfast successful 2021.

People had gathered to people the 29th day of the murders of 5 radical successful a loyalist weapon attack.

The ombudsman's bureau investigated a ailment from Mark Sykes, a subsister of the attack, who was arrested and enactment into handcuffs.

He was released 90 minutes later.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had antecedently decided no battle charges should beryllium brought against constabulary officers.

The ombudsman, Marie Anderson, released details of her probe connected Monday.

Mrs Anderson said: "Given restrictions connected gatherings astatine the time, I americium satisfied that determination was tenable justification for the PSNI to person attended the scene.

"However, aft introspection of each evidence, I was of the presumption the arresting constabulary serviceman had not responded successful enactment with an bid to dainty the gathering with sensitivity."

In a statement, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the unit accepts recommendations made by the ombudsman.

More to follow.