Police in Northern Ireland have started an internal investigation into video footage of officers taking part in celebrations following Armagh’s All-Ireland victory over Galway on Sunday.
The videos circulated online appears to show officers in police vehicles waving flags and sounding their sirens.
The GAA team won the coveted Sam Maguire cup with a score of 1-11 against Galway’s 0-13.
Supt Norman Haslett said: “We are aware of footage circulating on social media of our officers, driving Police Service of Northern Ireland vehicles, taking part in celebrations following Armagh winning the All-Ireland final.
“We have commenced an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this,” he added.
The PSNI Code of Ethics requires officers to carry out their duties impartially.
TUV leader Jim Allister said he would be contacting the police ombudsman, Northern Ireland’s police watchdog, and the chief constable following a “disgraceful display by officers in a marked PSNI car tonight in Camlough”.
“They can be seen driving through the village waving GAA flags in a fashion which could best be described as joyriding while using the siren improperly,” the North Antrim MP continued.
“Loyalists are often challenged about why we talk about two-tier policing.
“Tonight we see evidence of this in bright lights.”
BBC News NI Crime and Justice Correspondent Julian O’Neill reported there was “disappointment” with the officer at police headquarters.
“I think the biggest issue for the PSNI is what appears to show a car being driven in a careless, if not reckless fashion,” he outlined.
“It also raises issues around the impartiality of policing, and I don’t think that will be lost on PSNI command either.”
Source Agencies
