NI chief constable denies force biased

Northern Ireland’s chief constable has stressed the impartiality of the police service after the first minister raised concerns about a perception of bias against loyalists.

Matt Baggott defended the actions of his officers in the wake of Peter Robinson’s remarks that some Union flag protesters appeared to have been treated differently under the law than some republicans facing criminal investigation.

Mr Baggott insisted yesterday: “All of our actions have been taken impartially and within the rule of law.”

Last week prominent loyalists Willie Frazer, 53, and Jamie Bryson, 23, were remanded in custody charged with public order offences connected to the ongoing flag protests. On Friday, senior republican Sean Hughes, 51, was granted bail after being charged with offences related to a 2005 murder.