Ulster Unionist MLA and Policing Board Member Ross Hussey has unreservedly condemned the attacks which have taken place on Police and property.
Mr Hussey said:
“As an Ulster Unionist and former RUC Reservist, I condemn unreservedly the disgraceful attacks on the PSNI.
It is an utter disgrace that people carrying the Union Flag should engage in attacks on the Police. Too many brave Police Officers died for that Flag and to watch television pictures of youths clad in the same Flag attacking the Police with petrol bombs and other missiles is utterly sickening.
There is a legitimate grievance with regard to the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall on all but designated days. But this grievance cannot be used as an excuse to attack the Police.
The Union Flag is the flag of the United Kingdom. Our fellow citizens in the rest of the United Kingdom are looking on in a mixture of amazement and disgust as they see a British Police Force come under attack from people brandishing Union Flags. These attacks must stop now.”