THE family of a teenage girl injured after becoming trapped under a car driven by a prominent Orangeman in north Belfast have lodged a complaint against police.
Phoebe Clawson (16) suffered a shattered pelvis, broken ankle and collarbone fracture after she was knocked down in the Ardoyne area after an Orange Order march on July 13.
Police officers who were separating missile-throwing loyalists from nationalist residents lifted the vehicle off the girl and gave first aid.
However, her family have since complained to the Police Ombudsman about the policing operation in the area that evening.
Trouble flared after a contentious Orange Order parade was blocked by the Parades Commission from marching past the Ardoyne area.
It is thought the family's complaint relates to police not closing off part of the Crumlin Road to traffic, despite calls from residents group the Greater Ardoyne Residents' Collective.
A Police Ombudsman's office spokesman last night said: "We have received a complaint in relation to the policing of protests in the Ardoyne area on July 13 2015. This is currently being assessed."
Orangeman John Aughey (61), of Brae Hill in Ballysillan, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder over the incident.
The Clawson family released a statement through their solicitor to "express their gratitude for the support that they have received since the attack on Phoebe".
The statement said the family would "especially like to thank all those persons who assisted Phoebe in the immediate aftermath of the attack, including local residents and members of the emergency services".
"We recognise that were it not for the swift actions of these persons we could be facing a far more tragic outcome."
The statement does not specifically mention the PSNI officers who helped move the car.
"The family are aware of, and have noted the proceedings of the court, and welcome the fact that this incident has now been recognised as an attack on Phoebe and the community," the statement added.
"The Police Ombudsman is currently investigating the circumstances of this incident and our office has been in contact with them on behalf of the family, in relation to the circumstances of the attack on Phoebe."
Ms Clawson has been recovering in hospital since the attack and relatives are hopeful she may be released within the coming days.
In total 20 officers were hurt during loyalist rioting at the Ardoyne flashpoint that evening including an inspector who suffered a severed ear.
