By Tony O’Reilly-
A man arrested in connection with a burglary in Belfast has incredibly managed to escape from police after being handcuffed.
The suspect is said to be “unlawfully at large” in West Belfast as cops frantically search for his whereabouts. Police have issued a warning for the public not to approach him if seen, but to call police.
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The man was arrested at approximately 12.15 today, Saturday September 9, following the report of a burglary in the Falls Road area, but “absconded from police custody” a short time later.
Inspector Ferguson said: “He is described as being in his 20s, with dark hair and was wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt and handcuffed to the front.
Belfast police told The Eye Of Media.Com that the fugitive escaped after handcuffs had been placed on him for burglary.
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A spokesperson said: ”officers had just arrived on the scene and placed handcuffs on the suspect who was being arrested for burglary, but he managed to evade the officers and escape with the handcuff on him. He will be hiding somewhere with the cuffs on his hands”
Asked if there is anyway he can free himself from the handcuffs, the spokesperson laughed and said ”very unlikely”, he is stuck with those handcuffs, but you never know what mechanisms he may have for breaking away from the handcuffs”
The escape of this suspect has raised several concerns and prompted scrutiny of the security protocols in place.
How he managed to escape from police officers apprehending him remains a mystery.
There will be a public interest in seeing the bodycam on the arresting police officers to see exactly how the suspect managed to escape.
The spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is likely to take place to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the escape, as there has been no official word on the precise circumstances of his escape.
Shortages or lapses in personnel can create vulnerabilities that may be exploited by detainees.
Detainees are expected to be constantly monitored to prevent escape attempts because any lapses of concentration on the part of arresting officers could potentially create opportunities for detainees to flee and expose the public to further risk.
Investigation To Follow
In the wake of the suspect’s escape, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it will launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Key areas of focus in the ongoing investigation include:
However, the immediate priority is to locate and detain the escaped suspect swiftly. The PSNI has issued a warning to the public, urging them not to approach the individual but instead to contact emergency services if spotted.
Also included in the undertaking of any investigation will be an assessment of the actions and responsibilities of the law enforcement personnel involved in the suspect’s detention to ascertain whether any lapses occurred.
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