THE PSNI HAS confirmed that a video which appears to show two officers leaving an incapacitated woman in a bus lane has been referred to the Police Ombudsman.
The video, taken on St Patrick’s Day in Derry, shows the two officers taking the woman and leaving her on the side of John Street in the city.
The PSNI says that the officers involved have yet to be identified, but that an investigation is underway.
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They say that the video is being referred to the Police Ombudsman and that they expect better of their members.
The PSNI said that they would fully support the investigation.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland expects its staff to behave professionally, ethically and with the utmost integrity at all times,” the statement said.
“Any conduct, whether on or off duty, which brings discredit on the Police Service will be investigated.”
The Police Ombudsman’s office said that Michael Maguire will review the footage.
“The Police Ombudsman has this morning viewed video footage which appears to show what happens after two police officers discover a young woman lying on a road in Derry/Londonderry.
“Dr Maguire has now initiated an independent investigation into the police handling of the incident.
“Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact the Police Ombudsman’s freephone witness appeal line on 0800 032 7880.”
The North’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called the video “completely unacceptable”.
Sean McCallion, who took the video, told the BBC that the woman had been assaulted and was “probably concussed” when the incident took place.
Read: Gardaí investigating St Patrick’s Day violence video
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