PSNI officer ‘did not act with sensitivity’ during Sean Graham memorial

The Police Ombudsman has found an officer did not act “sensitively” when intervening at a Troubles memorial event during Covid restrictions.

incident occurred Shaun Graham’s bookmakers outside On Ormeau Road in Belfast in 2021.

People had gathered to mark the 29th anniversary of the killing of five people in a loyalist gun attack.

The Office of the Ombudsman investigated a complaint by attack survivor Mark Sykes, who was arrested and handcuffed.

He was released after 90 minutes.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had earlier decided no assault charges Action should be taken against police officers.

Ombudsman Mary Anderson released details of her investigation on Monday.

Mrs Anderson said: “Given the restrictions on gatherings at the time, I am satisfied that there was reasonable justification for the PSNI to attend the scene.

“However, after examining all the evidence, I was of the view that the arresting police officer did not respond in accordance with orders to deal with the gathering sensitively.”

In a statement, PSNI Chief Constable John Boucher said the force accepts the recommendations made by the ombudsman.

More to follow.