Step back from the brink over Irish Sea border tensions, urges chief constable

People need to step back from the brink of violence, Northern Ireland’s chief constable has said, amid rising tensions over disruption to Irish Sea trade from the rest of the UK after Brexit.
By Michael McHugh, PA
Published 4th Feb 2021, 14:08 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Simon Byrne warned of a “febrile” atmosphere after 26 graffiti incidents were detected across the country, and officials carrying out customs checks at ports in Belfast and Larne withdrew following the threats.

Police said they have changed their operational tempo and will be accelerating development of intelligence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Byrne told the Policing Board in Belfast: “It is now time for wise words and calm heads.

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne during a recent media briefing at The Hill of O'Neill centre in Dungannon, County Tyrone.PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne during a recent media briefing at The Hill of O'Neill centre in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne during a recent media briefing at The Hill of O'Neill centre in Dungannon, County Tyrone.

“We need to work together to look at a route map to normality because that seems to be the opportunity before us, to step back from the brink in terms of community tension.”

__

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:PolicePeopleIrish SeaSimon ByrneNorthern IrelandBelfastLarne

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.