Justice Minister praises professionalism of the police

4.26.00pm GMT Tue 13th Jul 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has condemned the violence in Ardoyne and in other parts of Northern Ireland on the Twelfth night.

The Minister has been briefed by the Chief Constable and has spoken to the Secretary of State.

He said: "The ugly violent scenes which the police faced in Ardoyne last night were both sickening and disturbing and I wish all the police officers injured a speedy recovery.

"Many people will be shocked when they see the images of the rioting and the sustained attack the police came under. In the face of extreme provocation, police officers showed the most remarkable restraint and professionalism which helped contain the violence and their efforts deserve praise across the community.

"Last night's violence was the result of a small number of people who are determined to create havoc and misery in the community. Huge efforts were invested by the police, politicians and community leaders to avert trouble.

"However what happened last night makes us all that more determined to redouble our efforts so that the small number of people who want to destroy our community will not be allowed to succeed."