Nineteen police officers were injured this afternoon during confrontations with republican protesters demonstrating over the lack of movement on British army demilitarisation in South Armagh.
Sinn Féin said the security forces used ‘Bully Boy tactics’ and attacked the protesters.
The security forces were injured during confrontations at two British army watchtowers on the South Armagh border and at Crossmaglen police station. There is no indication if any of the protesters were injured.
Two of the injured officers were airlifted to hospital with head injuries according to a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman.
Over 100 protesters gathered at the Creevekeeran watchtower to protest at the lack of movement on British army demiliterisation. Nine police were injured when they tried to repel the protesters from cutting their way through perimeter fencing.
Several baton rounds were discharged at Drummakavall watchtower when the protesters attempted to breach the perimeter. Ten officers were injured in the confrontation.
Police said the protesters then breached the main entrance at the police station in Crossmaglen and attacked police and military personnel inside with petrol bombs and other missiles.
A police spokesman said initial reports did not indicate how many casualties there were at the police station.
The spokesman added: "From the onset it is clear this was a well-orchestrated protest that was never intended to be peaceful.
The security forces earlier this year dismantled two of the string of watchtowers along the South Armagh border in response to the IRA's start of weapons decommissioning. Republicans have constantly demanded the removal of the remaining watchtowers.