Protestors disrupt DPP meeting
Protestors have disrupted a District Policing Partnership meeting in west Belfast, heckling PSNI representatives before reading out a statement of protest.
It happened at the meeting in Whiterock on Wednesday evening, where members were due to listen to a PSNI presentation about child safety and to discuss the report from the PSNI Area Commander.
West Belfast DPP Sub-Group chairman, councillor Tim Attwood, said dissident republicans were responsible for the demonstration.
“There was a protest from dissidents inside and outside the meeting and attempts to disrupt the meeting”, Mr Attwood said.
“After a period of heckling from some of the protestors, directed at the PSNI, I asked the protestors if anybody wanted to make a statement.
“One of the protestors read a statement of protest and then the majority of protestors left.
“It is important to note that normal business resumed and members of the public questioned the PSNI on important local issues relating to anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults in the area, burglaries and the issue of quad bikes.
Police have confirmed that the meeting was delayed for around half an hour as a result of the demonstration, but added that no arrests had been made.
“People have the right to protest but do not have the right to disrupt or stop DPP meetings”, Mr Attwood added.
“There is now a positive dialogue and partnership between the PSNI, the DPP and local communities in West Belfast.
“The vast majority of people support the PSNI and want to see pro-active policing in the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.”
