MLA accuses PSNI of ‘heavy-handedness’ after his arrest
by Francesca Ryan
A Sinn Féin MLA has accused the PSNI of heavy-handedness after they arrested him following a fracas on the Falls Road on Saturday evening.
Fra McCann was walking home from the town centre at approximately 7.30pm on Saturday when he noticed an incident near Divis Street.
“I saw two police officers, one man and one woman, manhandling a young girl aged about 14 or 15 at the railings of the Morning Star hostel,” said Mr McCann.
“I approached them and said there was no need to be so aggressive as the girl was hysterical.
“I tried to put myself between one of the officers and the girl when the police officer radioed for assistance.
“The next thing I knew there were about 20 more PSNI jeeps and cars arriving and I was on the floor being handcuffed.”
Councillor McCann was taken to Musgrave Street station where he was detained for approximately four hours.
Despite repeated requests to speak to the duty sergeant to make a complaint, Mr McCann left at around midnight without seeing the officer in charge.
“Their heavy-handed attitude was incredible,” continued Councillor McCann, who was charged with assault and disorderly behaviour.
“I had to see a doctor at the PSNI station as my arms were swollen from the handcuffs.
“I see no difference in what I witnessed on Saturday with the antics of the RUC, the only difference is the uniform.”
The PSNI confirmed they were at the scene but didn’t respond to the accusation of heavy-handedness.
“Police received reports of an incident at around 7.40pm on Saturday.
“Police arrived at the scene to find an altercation was taking place between a group of young people.
“One female was arrested for attempted robbery.
“While police were at the scene, a number of other people became involved.
“A 53-year-old man was arrested for disorderly behaviour and assault of police.
“He has since been released on bail.”
Journalist:: Francesca Ryan
