WATCH: Troubles victim arrested as police break up anniversary event

By David Young, PA & Q Radio News

Police arrested a victim of a Troubles shooting after breaking up an anniversary event, Sinn Fein has said.

The man was detained in the Ormeau Road area of Belfast after officers intervened during the memorial marking the 29th anniversary of a loyalist massacre at the Sean Graham’s bookmakers shop, senior party representatives said.

Public gatherings are currently prevented under Covid-19 lockdown regulations in Northern Ireland.

Five people, including a 15-year-old boy, were murdered and several others injured in February 1992 when Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) opened fire at the bookies.

Footage of angry exchanges involving officers and those attending Friday’s event have been posted online.

Belfast solicitor Niall Murphy tweeted this video with his client outside Musgrave Police Station. 

Mark Sykes is released - his solicitor Niall Murphy speaks pic.twitter.com/DCF5CZyGmo

— Relatives 4 Justice (@RelsForJustice) February 5, 2021

Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill tweeted: “Deeply concerned at the footage showing PSNI officers arrive at the scene of the Sean Graham bookies massacre.

“Unjustified heavy handed tactics have been used towards relatives laying flowers including the arrest of one of the survivors. Requested urgent call with Chief Constable (Simon Byrne).”

After witnessing a shameful display of policing - at a dignified Family Commemoration into Sean Graham Bookmakers killings - I have written to the Police Ombudsman to request that she calls herself in and investigates the circumstances that led to an arrest. https://t.co/qKHBSbTbS4

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) February 5, 2021

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said he was “shocked and appalled” at the man’s arrest. He accused police of “heavy handed” tactics.

“The man and other relatives of the five victims of the massacre, which included a 15-year-old boy, were laying wreaths at the scene of the murders to mark the 29th anniversary of the slaying of their loved ones,” he said.

Mr Kelly said family members had gathered to call for the publication of a delayed police ombudsman’s report into the murders, amid allegations of state collusion.

“As the relatives were dispersing police moved in and arrested a victim of the Bookies’ Massacre,” he said.

Mr Kelly added: “This man should be released immediately and the police should apologise for adding insult to injury to the families of those who lost their lives in the massacre and who have waited almost 30 years for truth and justice.”

PSNI chief constable Mr Byrne later tweeted to confirm he had spoken to Ms O’Neill about the incident.

“I have just spoken to deputy First Minister @moneillsf about the events on the Ormeau road this afternoon. We are currently working to establish all the facts. I will provide a further update in due course.”