Large-scale criminal investigation launched into Garvaghy Road protest
A large-scale criminal investigation has been launched into the unlawful protest on the Garvaghy Road as the Drumcree parade stand-off enters another day.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed on Wednesday that he has directed officers to prioritise evidence gathering and the criminal justice process in relation to the protest which has prevented the Orange Order parade from proceeding along its determined route.
The development comes as efforts continue to find a resolution to the dispute, with further talks taking place involving the Orange Order, Garvaghy Road residents and Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant.
Chief Constable confirms criminal investigation
Mr Boutcher said the PSNI and officers brought in through mutual aid arrangements would continue to police the situation independently and impartially.
He stressed that his overriding responsibility was to keep people safe and said the principal objective remained achieving compliance with the Parades Commission determination peacefully.
However, the Chief Constable confirmed that police have now moved to a large-scale criminal investigation into the protest.
He said he had given a clear direction that evidence gathering and the criminal justice process should be prioritised.
The PSNI has previously described the protest which prevented the parade from proceeding along the Garvaghy Road as unlawful and unnotified.
‘Mob rule must not be allowed to win’
Mr Boutcher said police continue to seek compliance with the Parades Commission’s determination but stressed that enforcing it could not come at any cost.
He said officers would not allow Northern Ireland to descend into violent disorder, adding that “mob rule must not be allowed to win.”
The Chief Constable also said criticism directed towards him would not influence his judgement, maintaining that keeping people safe remained his overriding responsibility.
Police have maintained a significant presence in Portadown since Sunday, with officers from Scotland also deployed to Northern Ireland under mutual aid arrangements.
Further Drumcree talks
The announcement came as further attempts were being made on Wednesday to resolve the continuing stand-off.
Mr Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson offered to hold meetings with organisations involved in the dispute, including representatives of the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents.
The meetings are taking place against the backdrop of separate discussions being led by Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant at Hillsborough Castle.
Representatives of Portadown District Orange Order returned to Hillsborough on Wednesday for further talks with the Secretary of State, while representatives of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition were also involved in separate discussions.
The two sides have not been meeting face-to-face.
Parade has remained unable to proceed
The latest dispute began after the Parades Commission determined that a limited Orange Order parade could travel along the Garvaghy Road on Sunday.
The determination permitted 35 participants and placed restrictions on the parade, including that no bands could take part.
However, protesters gathered on the Garvaghy Road and the PSNI did not allow the parade to proceed.
Police have said that while the parade had been permitted to travel along the determined route, forcibly removing protesters risked people being seriously injured.
The stand-off has continued since Sunday, with police maintaining a substantial operation in the area.
A fresh legal challenge connected to the Parades Commission decision is also due to be considered by the courts.
Boutcher: ‘I will not be part of this society moving backwards’
The Chief Constable said everyone involved now needed to concentrate on finding a resolution to the situation.
Mr Boutcher said the PSNI had helped create space for discussions to continue and made clear that he did not want Northern Ireland returning to the disorder associated with previous Drumcree disputes.
He concluded: “I will not be part of this society moving backwards.”
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