PSNI investigating two loyalist band parades amid ongoing street violence

The PSNI has said that “enquiries are ongoing” concerning two loyalist band parades last night.
The band parade on Monday night in MarkethillThe band parade on Monday night in Markethill
The band parade on Monday night in Markethill

It is thought the parades were in protest at the authorities’ handling of the Bobby Storey funeral extravaganza, which saw dozens of Sinn Fein figures questioned but no-body penalised.

It also comes after tensions surrounding Brexit, with loyalists angered by the Irish Sea border, and following Sinn Fein’s decision not to allow a stone map of Northern Ireland to be placed in the grounds of Stormont to mark the Province’s centenary.

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There was further disorder last night in Carrickfergus and Londonderry.

The PSNI said: “Police received a report regarding an unnotified procession in the Jervis Street area of Portadown on Monday April 5.

“Enquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances of this event.”

It added: “Police were made aware of an unnotified procession in Markethill last night. Evidence was gathered and enquires are ongoing.”

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Carla Lockhart, DUP MP for Upper Bann (covering Portadown), said she did not know who the loyalist band parading through the town was.

As to her views on the parade, she said: “For my part, I will oppose law breaking in all forms.”

She added: “All lawbreaking is wrong. I urge those loyalists, frustrated by the actions of Sinn Fein, to step back. Remain peaceful and stay of the streets.

“We don’t want young lives criminalised. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

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“Sinn Fein must be held accountable for their actions and the senior command police officers who facilitated law breaking should also resign.”

More to follow.

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