A video which appears to show PSNI officers leaving an incapacitated woman on a roadside in Derry has been referred to the North’s Police Ombudsman.
The video shows the woman being dragged from the middle of the road onto a bus lane on John Street by two officers who then drive off in an umarked car.
In a strongly-worded statement, the NI Policing Board stated its concern about the incident this morning.
“Whilst the circumstances surrounding this incident are not yet clear, video footage of the police response raises questions of the most serious nature,” the statement said.
“The board and the public rightly expect the highest professional standards of all of our police officers and anything that falls short of that is simply unacceptable.
“The Board has been informed by the PSNI that the matter has been referred to the Police Ombudsman for independent investigation,” it concluded
PSNI assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said the behaviour of the two officers involved was “well below the standards we expect from our officers in dealing with vulnerable people, whether the vulnerability is due to drink or to anything else.”
Earlier, Ryan Feeney, independent member of the North's policing board described the footage as "concerning" and said it would be on the agenda for the next board meeting.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who lives in Derry, expressed his views on Twitter. “Viewed video showing 2 police officers failing to ensure the safety of an incapacitated woman on a public roadway — totally unacceptable,” he tweeted.
Calling for the officers in question to be disciplined, Foyle SDLP MLA Mark Durkan said he was "horrified" after watching the video.
“Not only are these actions dangerous and irresponsible they are completely inhumane. I feel for the family of this girl. How can we believe that our young people are safe in our local community, when those who are charged with protecting them fall so far short of basic expectations?”
The PSNI could not be reached for comment.
