Chief Constable condemns Ardoyne violence
13 Jul 2010
The PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has condemned the disorder in the Ardoyne area of Belfast during which a number of police officers were injured.
Approximately 55 officers were injured during the disorder. One female officer required hospital treatment after being injured by a missile. She remains in hospital and her condition is described as stable.
Speaking at a press conference at PSNI Headquarters on Tuesday 13 July, Chief Constable Matt Baggott praised his colleagues for their efforts during the disturbances in the Ardoyne area.
He said: "A number of my colleagues have been injured and I wish them a speedy recovery. It places a great burden on my colleagues who exercised superb restraint, superb professionalism and superb courage. Last night we had people working for 24, 36, 48 hours and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their efforts."
He added: "The cost of policing last night in that small part of Northern Ireland is the equivalent of a ward in a hospital, it's the equivalent of a primary school, it's the equivalent of neighbourhood policing. It is time to have that big debate about what is really important for the future in Northern Ireland.
"I would like to see a very loud collective voice making sure that these people are condemned. Everyone who has a say in the future of Northern Ireland must condemn those responsible and make sure it is clear to them that they have no place in that future.
"We will be holding a major investigation now into the events and I would encourage anyone with information to contact us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Antrim Road police station on 0845 600 8000, extension 50552. Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.
