Six men charged over illegal republican parade

Six men have been charged over an illegal Easter parade in Co Armagh.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Apr 2018, 14:54 BST
Updated 1st Apr 2018, 15:00 BST
The republican parade in LurganThe republican parade in Lurgan
The republican parade in Lurgan

Police moved in to prevent masked men wearing paramilitary-style uniforms staging an event in Lurgan on Saturday.

There were minor skirmishes as officers made nine arrests.

A woman was injured and taken to hospital.

Republican parade in LurganRepublican parade in Lurgan
Republican parade in Lurgan

Five men aged 48, 39, 36 and two aged 30 have been charged with offences linked to the procession.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A sixth man aged 28 also faces three charges of assault on police.

The march is understood to have been organised by Republican Sinn Fein.

Police said a seventh man was charged with two counts of obstructing police and assault on police.

Republican parade in LurganRepublican parade in Lurgan
Republican parade in Lurgan

As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Two others, including a 47-year-old arrested on suspicion of organising the parade, have been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

It is understood six of the men arrested were not from the Lurgan area.

Speaking on Saturday, PSNI chief inspector Jon Burrows said: "The police have attempted to engage with members of this group advising them to comply with their legal responsibilities in relation to processions."

Related topics:PoliceSinn FeinPSNI