Police withdraw from Belfast bonfire site over public safety fears
Police retreated from a confrontation at a Belfast bonfire site over concerns innocent bystanders could be hurt, a senior commander has said.
Residents of tower blocks in the New Lodge area in the north of the city have also been told to leave their homes over fears that they would not be safe if the huge pyre were to be lit.
Earlier on Thursday, police in riot gear came under attack as they tried to provide security for contractors tasked with removing the controversial bonfire.
Youths scaled the pallets and refused to come down amid a tense stand-off.
ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith said Northern Ireland police are saying they have connected the activities with dissident republicans, the so-called new IRA.
Officers came under attack from missiles including fireworks and bricks.
The moment one officer appeared to be knocked unconscious when he was hit in the head was caught on camera.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd confirmed that a total of three officers had been injured.
ACC Todd added that women and children were used as “shields” by rioters.
“I regrettably have had to take a decision today that the risks of continuing the operation to remove a bonfire were out-weighed by the risks that operation would then pose to the wider community, the women and children and others there present," he said.
Six petrol bombs have been recovered and a 13-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour.
Police say they will be reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved in the disorder.
Police withdrew from the area and the bonfire, due to be lit on Thursday night to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland, remained intact.
The land on which it is situated is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.
On Thursday evening, a Housing Executive spokesperson said: “Given the ongoing situation in the New Lodge area the Housing Executive is telling residents to leave Oisin and Fianna tower blocks as we cannot guarantee their safety, due to the proximity of the bonfire.
“We are currently speaking to all residents in these tower blocks.
“Housing Executive staff are available at Grainne House to provide advice and assistance to affected residents.”
Concerns have long been raised over the close proximity to homes, while graffiti has appeared in the area implying a family centre will be burned if the bonfire is removed.
Threats have also made to contractors, sprayed on walls along with crosshairs, and to political representatives who have spoken out against the bonfire and associated anti-social behaviour.
Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland Mark Lindsay said: “Officers trying to protect the community and lawful agencies are once again caught in the middle and in the firing line.
“They are being attacked with a range of missiles and iron fencing.
“In one assault by a mob, one officer is seen to be struck and knocked to the ground.
“This behaviour is contrary to the overwhelming wishes of the people of New Lodge who do not want this bonfire or their area hijacked by young thugs.”
Mr Lindsay added: “These are ugly scenes reminiscent of the past and do not need to be repeated as communities work to build a better future. They are disgraceful and unacceptable.
“I know local community and political figures are trying to intervene to get order restored and from our perspective, we hope they are successful.
“In the meantime, our officers will continue to do the job they are there to do.”