News

Minor distrubances at North parade

Saturday, 14 August 2004

The main Apprentice Boys' parade through the centre of Derry City has passed off without major incident. Around 15,000 members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry took part in the parade.

There were some minor disturbances in Maghera, Co Derry, when protestors disrupted a feeder parade and a bread van was set on fire.

Police say around 100 protestors blocked part of the route at Main Street and refused to move to a point which had been agreed for a protest.

Members of the Apprentice Boys turned back from the protest and then proceeded to the main parade in the city.

Police say there were three arrests, including two for disorderly behaviour.

On the Waterside, the PSNI said a number of petrol bombs were thrown by youths towards lines of police protecting the parade at Dunfield Terrace.

In north Belfast, the march passed off without incident amidst a strong security force presence.

British soldiers and police blocked off the main Crumlin Road with four armoured personnel carriers.

A number of loyalist representatives protested about the size of the security presence, saying they had been told yesterday it would be policed softly.

Earlier, the Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Allen, said he hoped the day would be celebrated in the spirit of goodwill and tolerance.