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Police to investigate alleged verbal abuse of loyalist bandsmen in Rasharkin

The loyalist parade passing through Rasharkin on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill
The loyalist parade passing through Rasharkin on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill The loyalist parade passing through Rasharkin on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill

ULSTER Unionist leader Robin Swann has called for a meeting with police amid claims that loyalist bandsmen were verbally abused during a contentious loyalist parade in Rasharkin on Friday.

The parade organised by the Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors was subject to Parades Commission restrictions and was met with two separate protests from nationalist residents groups.

Rasharkin Residents' Collective and Rasharkin Residents' Association were both given permission to hold separate protests involving up to 50 people on the Main street of the Co Antrim village.

Although the parade passed off peacefully Mr Swann claimed members of the Rasharkin Residents' Collective verbally abused some bandsmen.

Police are also investigating a complaint made to them that a reporter was approached by some involved in the picket and challenged about photographs taken.

No-one from the residents association was available for comment last night.

Mr Swann, who attended the march, has called for a meeting with police in light of the claims.

“Taunts included reference to a band’s bus which was recently burned out, flags which had been stolen, and it has also been reported that reference was also made to a man from the band community who recently passed away," he said.

“I am also deeply concerned that a local reporter was approached immediately after the parade...This is totally unacceptable.”

The PSNI indicated last night that it will meet the North Antrim MLA.

PSNI chief inspector Mark McClarence said they were investigating the claims.

“An evidence gathering operation was in place on Friday evening and all footage will be reviewed to determine if any offences have been committed."

“Police welcome input from both elected and local representatives on a range of issues affecting the community and I will respond positively to the UUP’s invitation to meet with us, " chief inspector McClarence added.