Police probe loyalist violence
POLICE have launched an investigation after 10 officers were injured in Portadown.
The trouble began when a large crowd of "loyalists" gathered in
the early hours of Sunday in the Mandeville Street and West Street
area where missiles, including bottles, were thrown.
A number of vehicles were also damaged during the trouble.
A 19-year-old man is expected to appear at Craigavon Magistrates
Court next month charged with assault on police and public order
offences.
A 31-year-old also arrested was released on bail pending further
inquiries.
A PSNI spokeswoman said police were "working with the public and community representatives to resolve the situation".
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly claimed the trouble was related to text messages which were circulated two weeks ago calling for all loyalists to gather for a show of force in the centre of town at pub closing times.
She said: "This was incredibly stupid, incredibly provocative and
the purpose was made absolutely clear in the texts, which we forwarded
to the media – to intimidate nationalists and lay claim to ownership of the town centre.
"As far as I have heard, the police were prepared and were able to move the mob back and control the situation. But the fundamental point is that a very substantial group of people are determined to deny access to the town centre for all."
Mrs Kelly added: "This is naked bully-boy sectarianism and it cannot
just be left to the police to deal with the inevitable consequences.
We need to hear from the leaders of unionism and the many variations
of loyalism, including the marching orders."
UUP councillor for the area Ronnie Harkness condemned the trouble and the attacks on police officers.
He said it had been a move backwards for the town which has been "so peaceful in recent months".
"I would call for a return to calm in the weeks coming up to Christmas in the hope that those involved will see some sense."
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Weather for Belfast
Sunday 12 February 2012
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