PSNI rules no offence over Israeli flag complaint in Broughshane

The Israeli flag at a car park on Knockan Road in Broughshane

A complaint made to police over an Israeli flag being flown in a public area in Broughshane has resulted in no further action after the PSNI determined that no offence had been committed.

Police confirmed officers attended the Knockan Road area on Saturday, 16th May, after receiving a report regarding the flag, which had been erected in the car park area.

The incident has since prompted political reaction locally, with Ulster Unionist Party councillor Alan Barr claiming the matter risked undermining efforts to build stronger community relations in the area.

Police confirm no offence detected

In a statement issued to Love Ballymena, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said officers attended the location and photographed the flag as part of routine enquiries following the complaint.

The PSNI stated:

“Police received a report of a flag being flown in the Knockan Road area of Broughshane on Saturday, 16th May.

“Officers attended and captured a photograph of the flag for review.

“Every case reported to police is considered on an individual basis and, on this occasion, it was determined that no offence had been committed.

“Neighbourhood Policing Team officers will continue to engage with local community representatives and partner agencies to find long term solutions to the issues surrounding flags.”

The Israeli flag erected at a car park on Knockan Road in Broughshane

Flags and symbols displayed in public spaces can often become contentious issues in parts of Northern Ireland where identity and community relations remain sensitive.

However, in the strongly unionist village of Broughshane, the flying of associated flags has not typically attracted significant controversy locally.

Councillor says removal could damage community relations

Braid Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Barr

Braid Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Barr said he had first been contacted by a council officer about the matter following a complaint.

He said the flag would not be removed, arguing that it represented “the flag of a sovereign nation” and warning that taking it down could itself create tensions.

Councillor Barr said:

“Last week a council officer contacted me regarding an Israeli flag which was put up in Knockan Road carpark in Broughshane. This was following a complaint from a member of the public.

“The flag will not be removed as it’s the flag of a sovereign nation plus removal could upset community relations.

“Subsequently, it has come to my attention that the PSNI also received a complaint regarding it. On receiving such a complaint the police must investigate. As part of that investigation a photo has to be taken to determine if there was any offence. In this case there was no offence and the complainant has been informed of this.”

The councillor also referenced ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening engagement between police and the local community in recent years.

Barr pointed specifically to football training initiatives involving coaches from Glasgow Rangers as an example of relationship-building work taking place locally.

He added:

“Over the past few years there have been great efforts in building relationships between the police and the local community. In recent times this has involved the organising of football training with Glasgow Rangers coaches.

“My hope is that such bridge building will not be damaged due to one member of the public trying to stir the pot.”

The PSNI said neighbourhood officers will continue engaging with community representatives and partner organisations as part of wider work surrounding flags and related community tensions across Northern Ireland.