Bobby Storey funeral: Police flatly contradict Mary Lou McDonald claim they helped ‘meticulously’ plan funeral

She made the remarks in an interview with RTE on Thursday night, saying that “a huge amount of planning” went in to the funeral

The previous day, Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly had claimed that “every attempt was made to do it within the regulations,” but that it was “impossible” to stop members of the public joining in.

Ms McDonald went further, saying: “It was meticulously planned with the PSNI and with others and on the day the evidence of that planning was there for all to see.”

A statement from Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd to the News Letter reiterated the PSNI stance that “all available evidence in relation to the people attending the funeral of Bobby Storey will be reviewed” and any breaches referred to the PPS.

He said whilst the PSNI “engaged with the organisers”, this was “on the basis of no promises and no surprises, in order that they understood their obligations”.

He said the PSNI had raised the risks of Covid-19 with organisers adding: “To be clear, PSNI were not involved in the planning of this funeral and did not approve any plan for the funeral.

“We had assurances that those attending would observe the health guidelines and that marshals would be in place to encourage those lining the cortege route to observe social distancing.

“During the funeral, police implemented a temporary road closure for a short time due to public safety concerns.”

Police said they “maintained an appropriate neighbourhood presence and are currently reviewing footage gathered during the funeral”.