Police aware of St Patrick's Day concerns

The PSNI said officers responding to reports of the disturbances came under attack themselves as they sought to restore order.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "At one stage bottles were even thrown at an ambulance which had been called to the village. The area was reported quiet around 9pm.

"We are currently reviewing the policing operation to satisfy ourselves that our response was both appropriate and proportionate and we will be seeking to meet and discuss the matter with local representatives as soon as possible," said the police.

Two men, a woman and a juvenile all from Rasharkin were charged with offences arising from incidents that occurred in Kilrea. All four are expected to appear at Court later. As is normal procedure, the Public Prosecution Service will review the charges.

Witnesses to the incidents of disorder are asked to contact the police on 08456008000, email [email protected] Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800555111.

In Rasharkin, the police said the level of policing for this year's parade was less than in 2009.

The PSNI spokesperson said: "A total of 12 police officers were on duty on St. Patrick's Day the majority of whom were utilised at traffic points to ensure the safety of the event. Following discussions with a local political representative and the organiser of the event, and consistent with community wishes, the police did not accompany the parade, which passed off peacefully and without incident."

North Antrim Sinn Fin MLA Daith McKay has said that the actions and approach of the police during St Patrick's Day celebrations in Kilrea and Rasharkin have "raised tensions unnecessarily".

Mr McKay said he was "inundated with complaints" from families who went out to enjoy the parade in Kilrea who "could not believe" the police's handling of arrests and he said there was also an allegation that a young person was punched.

He said police vehicles also sped through the crowd in Kilrea and it was sheer luck that no-one was hit and seriously injured.

Added Mr McKay: "At the evening time parade in Rasharkin there was also a significant number of officers deployed in the village totally unnecessarily.

"What remains clear to me is that there are officers within the PSNI whose attitudes and behaviour towards nationalists are untoward and confrontational. This leads to an escalation in tensions.

"I have arranged an urgent meeting with the PSNI to discuss these incidents and I have called in the Police Ombudsman to investigate complaints. People in Rasharkin are right to be angry at the police.

"There have been serious incidents where the police have been at fault in Rasharkin for the past three years. Lessons are not being learned and unless operational practice and the attitude of officers on the ground changes they will continue to sow feelings of mistrust and anger within this community. Things need to change if they are to gain confidence within this community.

"The highest number of complaints to the Police Ombudsman's office relate to incivility towards members of the public. I have raised this at the Policing Board. Not all officers are up to standard when it comes to dealing with members of the public, especially sections of society which have in the past had a negative experience in regard to policing.

"There is a public engagement meeting with the PSNI in Rasharkin Community Centre on Wednesday March 24 (7.30pm)," said Mr McKay.