Police examine footage after Armagh’s All-Ireland win

Updated 27 minutes ago

Police in Northern Ireland have launched an internal investigation into video footage of officers taking part in celebrations following Armagh’s All-Ireland victory over Galway on Sunday.

The videos circulating on the Internet apparently show officers in police vehicles waving flags and blaring their sirens.

The GAA team won the coveted Sam Maguire Cup with a score of 1-11 against Galway’s 0-13.

Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “We are aware of footage circulating on social media of our officers taking part in the celebrations following Armagh’s victory in the All-Ireland final in Police Service of Northern Ireland vehicles.

“We have launched an internal investigation into the circumstances,” he added.

The PSNI Code of Ethics requires officers to carry out their duties impartially.

TUV chief Jim Allister said he would contact the Police Ombudsman, the Northern Ireland Police Inspectorate and the Chief Constable following a “disgraceful appearance by officers in a marked PSNI car” in Camlough this evening.

“You see them driving through the village with GAA flags in what can best be described as a joyride with inappropriate use of the siren,” the North Antrim MP continued.

“Loyalists are often asked why we talk about two-tier policing.

“Tonight we see proof of that in bright lights.”

Julian O’Neill, crime and justice correspondent for BBC News NI, reported that there was “disappointment” at police headquarters with the officer.

“I think the biggest problem for the PSNI is obvious evidence that a car is being driven carelessly or even recklessly,” he explained.

“It also raises questions about the impartiality of policing and I don’t think this will be lost on the leadership of the PSNI.”