PSNI attend un-notified parades to put evidence gathering operation in place over weekend - protests held in areas including Antrim, Ballymena and Moygashel - ‘Protest march’ to be held in Coleraine

Called a ‘protest march’ the event will be held on April 30, according to a post on social media.

It says: “The Loyalist Coalition invite the entire Loyalist community and all Loyal orders to attend a protest march in Coleraine on Friday 30 April.

“Meeting at Harpurshill shops at 6.45pm moving off at 7pm.

“We will not accept the Norhern Ireland protocol and the border in the Irish Sea which goes against the Good Friday Agreement.

“We will not accept two tier policing.

“We demade equal British citizenship along with the rest of the UK.

“This protest will be peaceful, those intent on vilence can stay at home. Social distancing will apply.

“Come and make a stand for your country.”

In a statement about the protest held in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, Chief Inspector Tim Flanigan said: “Police were in attendance at an un-notified parade at Moygashel on Saturday 24th April.

“Organisers of parades are required to give formal notification of their intentions and consequently when the parade formed at around 8pm, officers administered warnings to participants and put an evidence-gathering operation in place.

“A short time later a burning barricade was set up on the main road and officers were attacked with various missiles including a number of petrol bombs, with one officer injured after being struck by masonry.

“The disorder continued until around 11pm when the crowd finally dispersed and the area was declared calm.

“We will now review all the evidence gathered to identify those responsible for the disorder and any other offences which may have been committed.”

And in a statement about the un-notified protest held in Antrim on April 23, Chief Inspector Peter Duncan said: “Police are aware of an un-notified procession that took place in the Fountain Hill area of Antrim on Friday (23rd April) evening.

“Approximately 150 people were in attendance.

“Organisers of parades are required to give formal notification of their intentions. A number of warnings were given to participants that night and an evidence-gathering operation was in place.

“We will now review all the footage gathered and consider any suspected offences under the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998 or breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020.”

Meanwhile when asked for a response to the un-notified protest in Ballymena, Chief Superintendent Beck said: “Police are aware of an un-notified procession which took place in the Wakehurst Road and Town Centre areas of Ballymena on Saturday (24th April) morning, involving approximately 1,000 people.

“Organisers of parades are required to give formal notification of their intentions. Warnings were given to participants and an evidence-gathering operation was in place.

“We will now review all the footage gathered and consider any suspected breaches of the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998 and the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020.”