Police Ombudsman assessing complaint after teens arrested with ‘toy’ gun

A video of the incident was shared widely on social media

The Police Ombudsman is reviewing a complaint of “unnecessary force” after four young people were arrested and a “white water pistol” seized during the stopping of a vehicle last week.

Footage of the incident, which occurred on Clifton Street in North Belfast on Wednesday, 10 September, was shared widely on social media, and local MLA Gerry Kelly hit out at the PSNI for “forcibly manhandling” the four young people, who were aged between 17 and 20, even though they were cooperating with the officers.

The Police Ombudsman’s Office confirmed to Belfast Live that a complaint regarding the incident was received yesterday, September 15, and is currently being assessed.

At the time of the incident, a PSNI spokesperson said they received reports just before 10pm that a passenger in a vehicle had been seen with what was believed to be a firearm, which resulted in the deployment of firearms officers to the scene and a vehicle being stopped on Clifton Street, where a toy “resembling a firearm” was recovered.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “At 21:58 on Wednesday, 10th September, police received a report that a male passenger in a vehicle had been observed brandishing what was believed to be a firearm in the area of Donegall Street. Police are aware of video footage of this incident circulating on social media.

“In line with national guidance, the incident was managed by the on-duty firearms commander and Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) were deployed. The vehicle was stopped in the Clifton Street area and, during a search, a toy resembling a firearm was recovered.

“A report has been sent to the Youth Diversion Officer in respect of a 17-year-old boy.”The tactics used by Authorised Firearms Officers are designed to minimise risk and maximise public safety.

“We would remind members of the public of the very real dangers of presenting items that look like firearms in public. Such actions cause fear within the community and present significant risks.”

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