Drumcree Clashes follow parade
A largely peaceful Orange Order parade at Drumcree today was followed by ugly but brief clashes between loyalists and police. Officials later said 24 police officers were injured, two seriously, and 12 protesters needed treatment.
Some demonstrators threw missiles and spat at senior police officers when a parade delegation was handing over a letter of protest criticising the policy of the Parades Commission.
Attendance has been lower than in previous years and policing more restrained. The demonstrators have now dispersed.
The Parades Commission banned the march from returning down the nationalist Garvaghy Road for the fifth year running and British Army personnel had earlier erected a barrier blocking the Orangmen's route.
More than 2,000 police officers and British soldiers were stationed in the area.
Another controversial parade took place today in Newtownbutler in County Fermanagh where, despite nationalist complaints, the Parades Commission upheld the request of Orangemen to march along a disputed route.
