SF protesters breach gates of PSNI station

Republican protesters burst through the security gates of Andersonstown police station in west Belfast, which closed its doors…

Republican protesters burst through the security gates of Andersonstown police station in west Belfast, which closed its doors yesterday in preparation for demolition next month.

A crowd of 100 Sinn Féin supporters held a protest outside. As a senior police officer prepared to stage a press conference, a number of protesters went through the security gates but did not get into the station. They left peacefully after making a token protest.

Chief Insp Peter Farrar said police did not plan to take any action following the breaching of the security cordon.

Mr Farrar said the closure was the end of an era for policing in the area. "There are mixed emotions when any police station closes. Police officers worked here for over 100 years so there are many happy memories and some tragic and sad memories."

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Sinn Féin Assembly member Mr Michael Ferguson said no tears would be shed by republicans over the closure.