PSNI says letters will begin to be issued over Drumcree parading dispute

Police in Northern Ireland are to start issuing letters to those suspected of having committed a criminal offence related to the ongoing parading dispute in Portadown.

It relates to alleged breaches of a Parades Commission determination to allow an Orange Order parade to complete its traditional route from Drumcree Church down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years.

However the parade has been unable to take place due to significant numbers attending protests on the Garvaghy Road.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck described moving to the next phase of the large-scale criminal investigation.

“This team have been methodically working through the evidence collected by police so far during the operation, building this material into evidential packages in respect of identified persons reasonably suspected of committing offences,” he said.

“This work will now proceed to the next phase where individuals will receive letters regarding the interview process.”