Loyalist Derry demonstration among six under investigation confirm PSNI
The PSNI has confirmed that it has launched investigations into six un-notified processions including a Loyalist march in the Waterside area of Derry.
Providing details of the various incidents, the PSNI said enquiries are ongoing following processions without the required notification occurring in the Shankill Road in west Belfast, Dunloy, Tennent Street in north Belfast, Bangor, the Waterside area of Derry and Newtownabbey.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said: “The right to participate in a public procession is a fundamental human right. However, this is balanced by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.
“As part of this, a procession is required to submit lawful notification before proceeding and the absence of this notification may constitute an offence.
“This assessment is informed by public safety, the prevention of disorder and the need that any response is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
“We would remind anyone organising a public procession or parade of their responsibility to comply with the relevant notification requirements and engage with police.
“We will protect the rights of everyone, and we will continue to monitor the situation and engage with those involved.”
Police in Derry previously said a loyalist demonstration against what the organisers described as ‘two tier’ policing on Tuesday last was being investigated as an unnotified procession.
Several dozen people took part in the rally, which proceeded from Irish Street to the PSNI station on the Waterside on October 13.
Approximately 60 people had gathered, having made their way from the Dennet Gardens area of the Irish Street estate to Lisnagelvin Road, police said.
Police issued a warning in relation to being involved in an un-notified procession, a spokesperson confirmed.
“The procession continued, where it paused for a time outside the police station. It then proceeded towards the Crescent Link junction of Lisnagelvin Road, and those involved subsequently dispersing.
“A protest took place in the Irish Street area later on in the evening, at around 8.40pm. Those involved dispersed by 9pm,” the PSNI confirmed in a statement.