23/04/2002

North Belfast security measures result in arrests

The Police service of Northern Ireland have set up a special team to identify those involved in rioting in north Belfast.

Following examination of CCTV footage three men have already been arrested for disorderly behaviour following stone throwing in Ardoyne on Monday night.

One police officer was seriously injured in the trouble.

District commander for the area Chief Superintendent Julie Lindsay announced the new police crackdown system on Monday 22 April.

A Sergeant and eight Constables will work full-time for a month viewing video film shot during clashes between rival factions.

Chief Supt Lindsay said: “People who have been involved in riots can expect to face the consequences.”

Police plan to have up to 18 CCTV cameras at flashpoints by the summer in addition to two recently erected at Ardoyne Road.

Figures compiled by PSNI show that 603 police officers were injured in disturbances in north Belfast between 19 June 2001 and 19 April 2002.

Over the same period, police fired 141 baton rounds. There were 168 bombing incidents and 369 petrol-bombing incidents.

(AMcE)

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