by Gareth Cross
A senior police officer warned last night that self-styled sexual predator hunters operating in Derry could damage their inquiries.
The head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent George Clarke, made the comments, following an incident in Derry this week, in which a man was confronted and filmed by vigilantes before his arrest on suspicion of child-grooming.
On Monday of this week, the Derry man, in his 30s, was confronted by a group known as 'Silent Justice', who formerly described themselves as 'sexual predator hunters.'
The incident was captured on video and broadcast on Facebook Live, showing representatives from the group levelling a number of accusations at the man.
The man was then arrested by police on suspicion of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
Police in Derry have confirmed that the man has now been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Chief Superintendent Clarke said that groups taking the law into their own hands could be interfering with the course of justice.
In August, a County Antrim man took his own life days after being confronted by representatives from Silent Justice.
Chief Superintendent Clarke said it was the job of the police to deal with matters surrounding child protection.
“It is the role of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to deal with those allegedly involved in this type of crime, not others," he said.
"We are the professionals with the expert knowledge and experience to carry out rigorous investigations to the required evidential standard.
"We are the legitimate police service and we are accountable. These groups are not. They do not have the transparency or the structures which underpin the police service and could potentially undermine ongoing police investigations."
He said that those who take justice into their own hands could have a negative impact on criminal cases.
“The PSNI are committed to tackling this issue and work closely with our partner agencies when carrying out investigations to ensure the safeguarding of children and identification of offenders," said Chief Superintendent Clarke.
“Those involved in this type of vigilante behaviour aren’t in a position to ensure safeguarding issues are addressed and their actions could have a detrimental impact on the criminal justice process.
“If these groups are motivated to help safeguard children, they need to bring the information they have to police as soon as they have it and we will take all the necessary steps required to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out including appropriate evidence gathering."
"We will also ensure safeguarding issues are addressed and appropriate risk assessments are carried out."
Superintendent Clarke called on anyone with information relating to child protection to contact police.
“I would urge anyone with information in relation to this type of crime to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” he concluded.
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