A large-scale policing operation will remain in place in Portadown over the weekend as the Drumcree dispute continues, the PSNI has confirmed.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said a “major public safety operation” was ongoing in the town, with officers focused on maintaining order and keeping all those in the area safe.
“We are continuing to seek safe and peaceful compliance with the Parades Commission determination and our officers are regularly engaging with all stakeholders,” he said.
“At the same time our investigation into anyone suspected of breaking the law related to this dispute is continuing at pace. Two men have already been interviewed under caution for common assault and disorderly behaviour in Belfast on 26th September. Two others appeared in Court yesterday charged with various offences committed in Portadown on 27th and 30th September.”
Police said: two men, aged 48 and 35, were interviewed under caution in relation to a report of common assault and disorderly behaviour alleged to have occurred on Saturday, 26 September, in the Chichester Street area of Belfast city centre, outside the High Court.
A 28-year-old man appeared before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 1 October, charged with attempted criminal damage and disorderly behaviour after a bottle was allegedly thrown at a police vehicle on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday afternoon, 27 September.
A 44-year-old man also appeared before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 1 October, charged with behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace following an incident on the Derryanvil Road, Portadown, on Wednesday afternoon, 30 September.
Related: Two men have admitted involvement in Drumcree-related disorder
ACC Henderson thanked mutual aid officers from police services in England and Scotland who have been deployed to Northern Ireland over the past week to support the operation around Drumcree.
“I want to thank those officers from Police Services in England and Scotland who have been in Northern Ireland supporting our efforts over the past week,” he said.
He added: “Finally, I want to repeat the Chief Constable’s appeal for calm and for all parties to refocus efforts on working to find a lasting resolution to this issue.”
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