Fact Check: "A crowd pulled bricks and masonry from a derelict building which they threw at police."
What We Know
The claim that a crowd pulled bricks and masonry from a derelict building and threw them at police is supported by multiple reports from credible sources. According to a BBC article, during a night of unrest in Portadown, County Armagh, a crowd indeed engaged in this violent act. The report states that on Thursday, a crowd pulled bricks and masonry from a derelict building and directed them at police officers. This incident occurred amidst a series of disturbances that began following a peaceful protest related to an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena, which escalated into violence over several nights.
Further corroboration comes from another BBC report, which reiterates that during the unrest, police faced sustained attacks involving heavy masonry, fireworks, and other projectiles. The police have confirmed that they were under significant attack, with reports indicating that 63 officers were injured over the course of the disturbances.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, primarily sourced from reputable news outlets like the BBC, which has a long-standing reputation for journalistic integrity. The reports detail not only the actions of the crowd but also the context of the unrest, including the police's response and the injuries sustained by law enforcement officers. The consistency of the information across multiple reports enhances its reliability.
However, it is important to note that while the reports provide a clear account of events, they may also reflect a particular narrative shaped by the media's focus on violence and disorder. The framing of the events as "racist thuggery" by police officials could introduce a bias, as it emphasizes the motivations behind the violence rather than the actions themselves. Nonetheless, the factual basis of the claim—that bricks and masonry were thrown at police—is well-supported by the evidence presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that a crowd pulled bricks and masonry from a derelict building and threw them at police is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The reports detail the actions of the crowd and the police's response during a period of significant unrest in Northern Ireland, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
