PSNI ‘did not have time’ to prevent shots at INLA event – report

Speaking after the conclusion of the investigation, the office’s chief executive, Hugh Hume, said it was clear that police “had used all information available to them while planning for the event”.

“Unfortunately, that information was somewhat limited, and it was unclear exactly what would happen, what format it would take, and whether firearms would feature,” he said.

“By the time it became apparent that firearms were likely to be used, police did not have enough time to task appropriately trained officers to intervene.

“Once shots had been fired…, the police commander at the scene determined that any attempt to send additional officers into an area where a commemoration was taking place and where possible gunshots had been fired was likely to put officers at risk and create a threat to the lives of members of the public.

“Instead, he ordered additional steps to assist in gathering evidence about the event. A search of the scene was also later carried out, but no bullet casings were recovered.”

Although the Police Ombudsman’s investigation found no evidence of police misconduct, it did result in a number of policy recommendations being made to the PSNI.