Sean Graham bookmakers memorial: No assault charges for police

Uniformed officers arrested a man at the memorial on Belfast's Ormeau Road in February

The PPS has decided that no charges should be brought against two police officers over an incident at an event to remember the victims of a troubles shooting in south Belfast.

It follows allegations of assault against a man who was arrested.

It happened on the Ormeau Road in February amid strict Covid-19 rules.

Two officers intervened as a crowd gathered outside Sean Graham's bookmakers to mark the anniversary of a loyalist gun attack.

Five people were murdered by loyalists in 1992 and others injured.

The Public Prosecution Service had been considering evidence gathered by the Police Ombudsman.

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PPS assistant director Martin Hardy said: "Having carefully considered the available evidence, the PPS decision was that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the actions of the officers in arresting the civilian, and applying handcuffs to him, were unlawful. 

"Separate consideration was given to whether an omission to remove the handcuffs after a period of time had passed could amount to an assault by a police officer. 

"Again, after a thorough examination of all matters, it was concluded that the test for prosecution is not met for any assault arising from that aspect of the complaint."

Five people were killed and several others were injured in the 1992 gun attack

Mr Hardy added: "We are acutely aware of the deep sensitivities attached to this case, and the distress caused to the complainant through being arrested at an event to remember an atrocity which those present were so directly and profoundly impacted by.

"I would like to reassure the public that these decisions were taken impartially and after a full consideration of all relevant matters."