'Violence is not the answer' says DUP MLA reacting to Cookstown disturbance

Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan has condemned the disturbance in Cookstown at the weekend in which missiles were thrown and an attempt was made to block Millburn Street.
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Young loyalists are believed to have been responsible for the incident.

Mr Buchanan said: “While I understand the frustration within the loyalist community and appreciate the concerns and lack of confidence in the police senior command, attacking police or property is not the answer. Rank and file officers are simply doing their job.

“I again call on the senior police who facilitated the law breaking at the recent Bobby Storey funeral to resign.”

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan.DUP MLA Keith Buchanan.
DUP MLA Keith Buchanan.

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone, who was in Cookstown at the time of the disturbance, said he was glad it calmed down quickly.

He said it was really stupid for young people to get involved in the trouble and allow themselves to end up with a criminal record.

Mr McGlone stressed that now was the time for calm heads.

“I would appeal to parents to ensure that their children do not get involved in this type of behaviour,” he went on.

He said history had taught us that this kind of behaviour gets us nowhere.

Police have issued an appeal for anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 2182 03/04/21, or by using the reporting form on the PSNI website.

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