TV hurled at police in Belfast attack

Police were attacked with a television set during mob violence in north Belfast.

Three officers were injured as trouble flared in the New Lodge district.

CS Spray was fired by officers who also drew batons in a bid to disperse the crowd of up to 50 people.

Two brothers were arrested following the clashes on Monday night.

Sinn Féin claimed police provoked tensions by assaulting a young man they had challenged about the dog he was walking.

Councillor Caral Ni Chuilin vowed to complain to Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan over the officers’ alleged aggression.

But the PSNI insisted several warnings were issued during the confrontation on the New Lodge Road at around 8.30pm.

They had stopped a 29-year-old man, who was with a dog, over outstanding money warrants, a spokeswoman said.

His brother, also wanted for the same reason, arrived on the scene, she added.

“The brothers were warned several times about their conduct.

“A hostile crowd had also gathered, and when both brothers were eventually arrested for disorderly behaviour a struggle ensued.

“CS Spray was used on the 29-year-old.”

He was charged with two counts of assault on police and resisting arrest.

As tensions heightened, up to 10 officers were called to the scene.

During the struggle two of them suffered bruising and swelling to their faces, while a third was struck on the mouth by a missile hurled from the crowd, police said.

“A television set was also thrown at officers,” the spokeswoman added.

“The brother of the 29-year-old ran off. He was stopped by officers in the Mallusk area a short time later and conveyed to custody.

“He was later released pending reports.”

Police are understood to dispute Ms Ni Chuilin’s claims that she identified herself to officers only to be verbally abused.

They also deny officers questioned the man about the legality of his dog.

The Sinn Féin councillor claimed trouble started when he sent for a relative to produce papers proving the animal’s legitimacy.

“During this period, the PSNI became agitated and aggressive and produced CS Spray which they sprayed on his face,” she said.

“They held him over the bonnet of a car and when I arrived on the scene I attempted to ascertain his name and was repeatedly verbally assaulted by PSNI officers.

“This young man was in obvious discomfort and kept saying that he could not breathe.”

Ms Ni Chuilin also alleged officers refused to tell her where the suspect was being taken as they bundled him into a vehicle.

“As they withdrew from the area, the PSNI threatened to attack local people with batons,” she claimed.

“The conduct of the PSNI was highly aggressive and they have once again shown complete contempt for the people of the New Lodge area.

“I will be contacting the Police Ombudsman’s Office to complain about the assault and their ensuing hostility to the local community.”