Police accused of using ‘unnecessary force’ on four young people before ‘seizing water pistol’

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has hit out at the PSNI

The police have been accused of using unnecessary force against four young people during a car stop that resulted in “the seizure of a water pistol”.

The incident took place in the Clifton Street area on North Belfast on Wednesday, September 10, with footage of the incident being captured on video.

North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly says the video shows the police “forcibly manhandling” the four young people, who were aged between 17 and 20, even though they were cooperating with the officers.

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He says that officers only seized a white water pistol as a result of the incident and that he has spoken to the parents of two of the brothers who were involved in it.

He said: “On Wednesday, an Armed Response Unit of the PSNI arrested four young people aged 17-20. I have spoken to parents and two of the brothers from Ardoyne, who have shown me their injuries. “The only item found in the car was a white water pistol. I agree with the family that this was an unnecessary use of force as the young people were cooperating, as can be seen in the video. “The family have said that they will be pursuing a complaint with the Police Ombudsman’s office. I will continue to work with the family throughout this process.”

Police have said they received reports just before 10pm that a passenger in a vehicle has been seen with what was believed to be a firearm. The fore deployed firearms officers to the scene with a vehicle being stopped on Clifton Street and 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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