Probe into Claims Nurses Told by PSNI to Show ID to Gangs

Police in Northern Ireland are seeking information regarding disturbing claims that officers may have advised nurses to show identification to masked individuals during recent disorder. The allegations have prompted a strong response from First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who has called for a full investigation.

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It's absolutely vile and disgusting.

Ms. O'Neill described the suggestion that masked gangs were directing nurses to show their IDs as they commuted to work as "vile and disgusting." She stated she had raised the matter directly with Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. The First Minister emphasized that if such an event occurred, it would necessitate a serious investigation, asserting that no healthcare worker should be subjected to stopping at a "mob" and providing their identification.

The claims surfaced last week amidst violence that erupted in parts of the city following a stabbing incident in north Belfast. This violence, characterized as anti-immigration disorder, saw individuals targeted based on their race, with reports of foreign national healthcare workers facing intimidation. Mobs set fire to homes, a bus, and cars during the unrest.

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If that happened, there needs to be a serious investigation. No nurse or no person going into the workplace [should have to] to stop at any mob and give their ID. That's absolutely disgraceful.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson acknowledged that police received reports of vehicles being stopped by masked gangs in the greater Belfast area and responded with a significant mobile policing presence. However, he stated that no one had yet made direct contact with police to formally report such allegations regarding the nurses. The PSNI is reportedly checking records to establish any specific reports related to these claims while engaging with healthcare worker representatives.

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We are aware of reports circulating that police officers may have advised nurs