Police actions against a loyalist flute band that paraded close to the scene of Bloody Sunday with a Parachute Regiment symbol on their uniforms were "proportionate, responsible and constructive", a commander has said.
Loyalists across Northern Ireland have been using the symbol to show support for Soldier F - the veteran facing prosecution for two murders and four attempted murders in Derry in January 1972.
Members of the Clyde Valley Flute Band, from Larne, Co Antrim, had the insignia and the letter "F" on the sleeves on their uniforms as they took part in the loyal order Apprentice Boys parade in Derry on Saturday.
A large number of police escorted the band as it made its way through the city and a bus carrying the band home was stopped by officers on the outskirts of the city.
Officers in armoured vehicles attended as the names of some bandsmen were taken. Police have sent a file to prosecutors to assess whether bandsmen were guilty of provocative conduct.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, who was the overall commander in charge on Saturday, rejected those who have characterised the police operation as "heavy handed".
"I see no grounds for using that description," he said at a press conference in Belfast. "Our engagement before, during and after the parade were by way of discussion and negotiation and it confounds me how anyone can describe that as heavy handed.
"It was proportionate, responsible and constructive - to style it otherwise, I don't share that assessment."
