Police officers discharged two baton rounds after violence flared during a Nationalist demilitarisation protest in south Armagh.
Police had been aware in advance of the protest, which began at an Army watchtower known as Golf 10, before moving to another tower referred to as Golf 20. It subsequently moved to Crossmaglen Police Station.
During their investigation of the incident, Police Ombudsman investigators viewed video footage of the disturbances taken by the PSNI. During the course of the demonstration at the Golf 20 watchtower, members of the 100-strong crowd of protesters were shown apparently using wire cutters to gain access to the base. Other protesters were shown throwing missiles at the security forces, some using catapults. Metal fence posts were also uprooted and thrown.
Shortly after 3pm, police issued a warning that baton rounds would be used if the rioting did not stop. When the trouble continued, police discharged two rounds. One struck a male who was allegedly throwing a metal spike at the police line. He was struck on the upper thigh/waist and fell to the ground, before limping away. The second round was directed at another male who was ready to fire a catapult. The baton round missed its target.
Although the disturbances continued, no further baton rounds were discharged. A total of 14 officers were injured during the protest.
While it shows the extent of the riotous situation, it does not capture either of the baton round discharges.
Copies of the following documents were also obtained: the Operation Order, the Command and Control Log, de-brief reports, journal entries and the baton report.
Enquiries were also made at surrounding hospitals in an effort to identify the male who had been struck by the baton round. The enquiries proved fruitless.
Outcome of investigation:
Police Ombudsman, Mrs Nuala O'Loan concluded: "The authority for the issue of baton guns was correct in the circumstances.
"However, there was some discussion at the debrief as to whether sufficient resources were actually deployed. This is a matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to consider in planning future events.
"In taking account all the circumstances and evidence in this case it would appear that the use of force was proportionate, within legislation and guidelines, necessary to prevent serious injury and in accordance with force instructions and training."