This report relates to the discharge of 29 baton rounds over two nights on August 20 and 21 2002 during ongoing disturbances in the Albertbridge Road area, close to the interface at Clandeboye Gardens and Cluan Place.
At least nine police officers were injured during the disturbances. Enquires were made at the Royal Victoria, Belfast City and the Mater Hospitals, none of which reported receiving any casualties from the nights' disturbances.
Letters were sent to the Assembly representatives for their area in an attempt to trace possible witnesses. There was no response and no one came forward with information.
During the early part of the evening of Tuesday, August 20, there was a build up of tension at the interface. As the evening progressed, crowds gathered, including people who were wearing masks, and roads were blocked with barricades. At one stage a crowd of approximately 50 people surrounded a Land Rover, began to rock it and tried to open the rear doors. There were reports of blast bombs and petrol bombs being thrown. The fire service came under attack as they tended a house fire. The tension continued to mount as the evening progressed.
At 22: 56 Constable A fired one baton round from the rear of a Land Rover at a man with a mask over his face who was holding a object in his hand and was preparing to throw it at the vehicle. The man was hit in the leg.
At 23:01 the Constable fired at a man with a mask over his face who was attempting to light an incendiary device. The man was hit in the leg and was helped away by another man.
The disturbances continued again on the night of Wednesday August 21. There were reports of golf balls being fired and workmen in the Mountpottinger area said they had been stoned. As the night progressed, one police officer was taken to hospital after he had been hit by a stone. A crowd of approximately 150 was reported carrying furniture, while a vehicle was set alight on the Albertbridge Road. There were also reports of masked men on the roofs.
At 21: 09 Constable D fired one baton round at a man who threw a lighted petrol bomb at the police, hitting him in the right thigh. Constable B fired at a man in a mask who was throwing a petrol bomb, hitting him in the right leg.
At 21.10 Constable D fired at a man who was throwing a petrol bomb, hitting him in his left thigh. Constable C also fired at a man throwing petrol bombs. The man was hit in the right leg and hopped into an alley. Constable B fired at a man who was seen throwing a number of petrol bombs at the police, hitting him in the right leg.
At 21.14 Constable D fired at a man throwing a petrol bomb, hitting him in the groin.
At 21.18 he fired at another man throwing a petrol bomb, hitting him in the right thigh.
At 21:19 he fired at man who was throwing an explosive device, hitting his right thigh.
By this stage a crowd of between 300 and 400 people were involved in serious public disorder, throwing petrol bombs, a variety of explosive devices and using high-powered catapults to fire at the police. Some officers were hit by bottles containing liquid that melted parts of their uniforms and boots.
At one stage a masked man brandished a rifle at police lines. A bus was hijacked and petrol and blast bombs continued to be thrown. The Ambulance Service began withdrawing their vehicles from the local depot out of fear for their crews and police came under renewed attack.
At 21:40 Constable C fired one baton round at a man who was throwing petrol bombs and missiles, missing his target.
At 21:41 Constable D fired at a man who was throwing petrol bombs, hitting him in the groin.
At 21:43 Constable D fired at a man throwing an explosive device, hitting him in the groin. Constable B fired at a man throwing petrol bombs at the police but missed his target
At 21:45 Constable C fired at a man who was throwing petrol bombs. The man was hit in the lower legs and staggered into Templemore Avenue. Constable B fired at a man throwing petrol bombs, hitting him in his left knee.
At 21:46 Constable B fired at a man who was lighting a petrol bomb, but missed his target.
At 21:47 Constable D fired at a man throwing an explosive device, hitting him in the right thigh.
At 21:49 Constable D fired at a man throwing an explosive device, hitting him in the right thigh.
At 21:50 Constable C fired at a man throwing a fizzing object, hitting him on the right thigh.
A senior police officer then received information that the UVF were moving munitions into the area. During the hour which followed a large crowd carried out a missile attack on police officers escorting an ambulance from Templemore Avenue and a number of people were injured when a bus came under attack.
At 22:52 Constable H fired a baton round at a masked man who appeared to be throwing a pipe bomb, hitting him in the lower legs. The man limped away.
At 22:54 a burst of automatic gunfire was heard and several shots hit police vehicles. Missiles were thrown at officers, injuring two of them.
At 22:57 Constable H fired a baton round at a masked man with a petrol bomb, missing his target.
At 22:58 the Constable fired at a man who was attacking police with a large boulder, hitting him in the lower legs.
At 22:59 he fired at a man who had run at police lines with a petrol bomb, hitting him in the legs.
At 22:02 the Constable fired at a man who had been throwing boulders and then run at police lines with a petrol bomb, hitting him in the legs.
At 23: 10 Constable G fired at a man who was charging at police lines with a large piece of scaffolding, hitting him just above the trouser waistband. The man dropped the scaffolding and ran back into the crowd.
At 23:12 Constable H fired at a man running at police with a large piece of wood embedded with nails, hitting him on the legs.
At 23:12 Reserve Constable E fired at a man who was about to throw a petrol bomb, hitting him on the legs.
Outcome of Investigation:
Video evidence shows that the majority of the rioters had come prepared and determined to behave in a less than peaceful manner. There was evidence of them being in possession of missiles, fireworks, blast bombs and even firearms which they had brought with them. Many of them were wearing scarves, masks or had the hoods of their coats pulled over their heads to avoid being recognized or identified. It is evident that a large number of people were intent on preplanned violence and intelligence supplied to the Police during the disturbances on August 21 would tend to support this.
It is evident that local community representatives were present and attempted to calm the situation.
The Police reaction was both controlled and proportionate to the level of violence. The Police were subject to a barrage of missiles and can be shown to exercise a high degree of restraint. There is overwhelming evidence to support the Police use of batons at this point. All evidence suggests that the baton gunners acted entirely correctly within the relevant guidelines.
The use of baton rounds during the riots was lawful, justified and proportionate. The available evidence supports the conclusion that the discharge of baton rounds in addition to other tactics contributed to order eventually being restored in the area, as well as to the safety of the police officers involved in the operation and the residents living in the area.