Sky News experienced chaos when a reporter was ambushed live on air during a Belfast riot, forcing the segment to be pulled from broadcast. On Wednesday, June 10, broadcaster Tom Parmenter reported from the heart of the Irish city amid a violent protest. Standing behind a police cordon, he described measures taken by officers to disperse the crowd. More than five police vans were visible behind him, surrounding a raging fire, with a wave of protesters in the background.
Reporter Interrupted by Locals
As Parmenter shared updates, two locals approached the presenter and camera crew, shouting over him. The woman demanded to know if the coverage was 'fair and proper' and urged him to 'be brave' and report from the conflict's front line. She said, 'I hope you're reporting fairly and properly when the police came on. Somebody tried to gouge his eyes out. I hope you're reporting on why Northern Ireland is erupting, because they are fed up with the likes of Sinn Féin inviting undocumented men into their country.'
The report then fell silent as the cameraman panned to the ground. Producers pulled the segment, returning to studio anchors, who explained, 'Just appreciate that Tom is being accosted there. Someone wanted to give their views. We'll come back to Tom in a minute and obviously keep an eye on that situation with the water cannon.'
Viewer Reactions
Viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. Presenter Dan Wootton praised the individual, posting, 'Brilliant! A brave independent reporter has just ambushed Sky News live on air in Belfast and demanded they start reporting the truth. They gutlessly cut back to the studio...' Another viewer commented, 'Well done that lady!! And to avoid any confusion about the wording used by the studio, here is the definition of accosted: To go up to somebody and speak to them, especially in a way that is rude, threatening or frightening. Not sure I witnessed that from the lady!' A third fumed, 'Water cannons, though! Water cannons on their own people for protesting because one of their own people was nearly beheaded! It's nuts!'
