The Five Demands

‘Grave’ riot ieri sera che ha visto coinvolti 250 persone. Danni a veicoli della polizia, bruciati autobus e automobili

E’ ormai certa la motivazione che ha scatenato le ire di 250 riottosi in O’Neill Road, Newtownabbey, nella serata di ieri.
La PSNI ha dichiarato che le violenze sono riconducibili ad operazioni di sicurezza e perquesizioni messe in atto nell’area di Rathcoole negli ultimi 2 giorni. Azioni investigative nell’ambiente lealista e su omicidi attribuiti dall’Ulster Volunteer Force. Un uomo di 34 anni di cui avevano proceduto all’arresto è stato poi rilasciato. Fonti di polizia parlano anche del sequesto di un quantitativo di cannabis.
Nel riot di ieri lanci di molotov, pietre e razzi contro landrovers della polizia oltre ad un certo numero di veicoli civili e autobus incendiati. Gli animi sono stati sedati intorno all’1 di notte.
Ken Wilkinson (UUP) interpellato sull’accaduto, ha affermato che l’azione rivoltosa è stata organizzata sul web per mezzo di Facebook, dove giovani invitavano loro coetanei ad unirsi al gruppo degli attivisti già dal pomeriggio di ieri.

Riot nell’area di Rathcoole (Video)

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Riots erupt after raids targeting UVF (U TV)
Police have said riots which erupted in Newtownabbey on Monday night started after searches were carried out by officers investigating UVF murders.
The trouble erupted when a large crowed gathered at O’Neill Road, near the Rathcoole estate at around 8.30pm.
Petrol bombs were thrown at police and a number of PSNI landrovers were damaged.
Several cars and a bus were hijacked.
A PSNI spokesperson said searches were carried out in the Rathcoole area on Monday and a 34 year-old man was arrested and later released.
Suspected cannabis was seized during the raids.
Rioting in Newtownabbey Rioting in Newtownabbey
Ulster Unionist MLA for the area Basil McCrea said around 250 people were involved in the disorder.
“Attacks on vulnerable groups in the local estates and the rioting in general are completely unacceptable and should be condemned by all.
“Those with influence in these areas should explain the damage it does to the local community in particular and our society as a whole.
“Who will invest in these areas now and who will replace the burnt out bus?” Mr McCrea said.
Alliance councillor for Newtownabbey described the trouble as despicable.
“We need calm in the area to allow people to get on with their lives free from disruption and fear. It’s despicable that a small number of people can bring themselves to wreak havoc in their local community.
“Those behind this trouble must be caught and I appeal to anyone with information on last night’s events to contact police immediately.”
The PSNI say they are working to identify those involved in the riots.
The area was reported to be calm at around 1am on Tuesday morning after police worked with community representatives.