Two firefighters filmed apparently 'tussling' during last week's civil unrest have been suspended, according to information obtained by Belfast Live.
Incident Caught on Live TV
The pair, both understood to be retained 'on-call' firefighters, had been responding to a blaze at the Department for Infrastructure site after a vehicle was set alight. The arson took place amid disorder near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, with the incident captured on camera by a Sky News helicopter.
The footage appeared to show the two men shoving one another on two separate occasions before a fellow firefighter intervened to pull them apart.
Banter or Misconduct?
A source close to those involved told Belfast Live that the pair were 'best mates', insisting the incident had simply been 'banter' between them and that they were merely 'messing about'.
It is understood that upon returning to the station following the incident, the crew were informed that the altercation had been broadcast on television and were asked to provide statements while continuing to attend calls.
Suspension on Full Pay
When the two firefighters arrived at the station for their routine weekly training session on Thursday evening, it is believed they were told they had been suspended on full pay, before being asked to surrender their pagers and escorted from the building.
A NIFRS spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on individual employee matters.'
