The head of a policing body has called on politicians and civic leaders to “dial down the rhetoric”, as a tense stand-off on Portadown’s Garvaghy Road dragged on.

The chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Liam Kelly, said he wants to see calm heads after a court ruled that a heavily restricted Orange Order procession could go along the street.

Protesters have blocked the road, however, delaying the planned 8am start of the march. Nationalist leaders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, have been on the scene backing the protest, while the PSNI has repeatedly called on people to disperse.

For Mr Kelly, officers are there to “police the out-workings of this judgement without fear or favour”.

He stated: “Their job will be to maintain the rule of law and see that there is full compliance with the Parades Commission determination.

“I remind those who disagree with or oppose the decision and procession that they, too, must comply with the law. I would appeal to anyone who wishes to protest to do so in a lawful, measured and ultimately peaceful manner.

“Unfortunately, over the last 24 hours there has been a raft of unhelpful commentary in both mainstream media and social media platforms. I would particularly appeal to our politicians and community or civic representatives to dial down the rhetoric, and work constructively to calm heads to help ensure that our officers can safely carry out their duties.

“Our officers want the policing deployment to be a safe environment for them and all who take opposing viewpoints. For that to happen we need to see calm heads and full compliance with the law.”