Northern Ireland

Family shocked after PSNI visit wake

Police have visited a house were a wake was taking place in west Belfast
Police have visited a house were a wake was taking place in west Belfast Police have visited a house were a wake was taking place in west Belfast

Relatives of a recently deceased west Belfast woman are said to have been left "shook up" after police visited the house where she was being waked as part of the Covid-19 clampdown.

Karen Weir was being waked at her Divis home when officers arrived at around 11pm on Thursday.

The 59-year-old, who was well known in the area, died on Monday and relatives and friends had gathered to pay their respects.

It was claimed last night that PSNI officers arrived to the house in six Land Rovers and two police cars.

Her son Joseph Fitzpatrick said some female members of the his family were "shook up" and "left panicking about the wake."

Mr Fitzpatrick claimed that during the wake no Covid rules were broken.

"They (PSNI) said we had to leave and we refused point blank to leave," he said.

"We broke no laws."

Mr Fitzpatrick said that when police arrived there were 18 people, all family members, spread around the front and back of the property as well as inside.

The grieving son said social distancing was in force, while those inside were wearing masks and hand sanitizer was in use.

Mr Fitzpatrick said that several people left the wake house after the PSNI visit.

He he that his family recognises there is a pandemic.

Strict new restrictions have been introduced in recent weeks to help fight coronavirus, including new rules relating to funerals and wakes.

According to the NI Direct website "the remains of the deceased may be taken back to private homes, but wakes are not to be held and funeral services in private homes are not to take place".

Chief Inspector Christian Bradley said PSNI officers had noted a number of people outside a property on Cullingtree Road while on patrol.

"Officers subsequently called at the property and spoke to family members who explained they were holding a wake," he said.

“In keeping with our ongoing approach, officers explained the health protection regulations and the law, and a number of non-family members left the property with no further police action required.

"We understand and sympathise that when a loved one dies it is a very traumatic and sad time, and that a funeral and wake is part of the grieving process and allows people to say their goodbyes and pay their respects.

"However it is essential that everyone respects the current health and current legislation."