Northern Ireland

Jamie Bryson: Don't engage with PSNI over protocol protest letters

Prominent north Down loyalist Jamie Bryson
Prominent north Down loyalist Jamie Bryson Prominent north Down loyalist Jamie Bryson

Anti-protocol campaigner Jamie Bryson says protesters should not engage with the PSNI after he and other loyalists were asked to attend a voluntary interview linked to an un-notified procession in May.

Mr Bryson last night said the letter was hand delivered by a police officer to him and ten other people that he is aware of.

It related to an un-notified procession in Bangor, Co Down, on May 31.

He said that three people who received letters tore them up while the PSNI were present.

In the correspondence, which was sent by the Public Order Enquiry Team based in Antrim, police say they suspect Mr Bryson took part in the procession.

They go on to offer him an "opportunity to take part in a voluntary interview so that you may offer an account as to your actions on that date".

Mr Bryson is a vocal opponent of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which has created a border down the Irish Sea.

In a written response to police, Mr Bryson said that republicans linked to the PSNI investigation into the funeral of Bobby Storey last June had been given six months to attend interview and were provided with details of evidence against them.

He also referred to a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMRC) into the police investigation.

"As is apparent from the portion of the HMIC report set out supra, when investigating republicans for summary only offences, the PSNI- in advance of any interview- provided details of the evidence against the alleged suspects," he wrote.

"Therefore, I - and I am sure others from the PUL community - expect the same courtesy be extended.

"In this regard I would be obliged if, following the procedural precedent set out in the Storey investigation ... (police) ... would kindly provide me with details of the alleged ‘evidence’ against me in relation to the relevant investigation."

In his correspondence Mr Bryson claimed that he is a journalist and that he had broadcast on social media from numerous protests.

Speaking to the Irish News last night Mr Bryson described the police investigation as "shambolic"

"So, unless the police are going to apply the same standard, which is everybody has six months, to make themselves available and all the evidence will be provided in advance then of course nobody should engage with the police whatsoever," he said.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: "Police have contacted six people inviting them to attend voluntary interviews in relation to an un-notified procession that was held in Bangor on Monday, 31st May.

"As enquiries into this matter are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."