Northern Ireland

Police probe Lurgan and Coalisland Easter Rising parades

Sunday 27 March 2016 - Taking part in the Easter Sunday parade in Coalisland. Picture by Cliff Donaldson.
Sunday 27 March 2016 - Taking part in the Easter Sunday parade in Coalisland. Picture by Cliff Donaldson. Sunday 27 March 2016 - Taking part in the Easter Sunday parade in Coalisland. Picture by Cliff Donaldson.

POLICE have confirmed they are investigating suspected breaches of Parades Commission determinations in Coalisland and Lurgan at the weekend.

Up to 60 men and women dressed in military-style clothing took part in an Easter Rising commemoration in Coalisland on Sunday.

Dozens of people in combat gear marched in file behind a colour party during the parade.

In Lurgan, Co Armagh on Saturday, masked men paraded during a Republican Sinn Féin 1916 commemoration.

Today, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said police are "investigating suspected breaches of Parades Commission determinations in Coalisland and un-notified processions in Ardoyne and Lurgan. 

"We have gathered evidence at these events and will present reports to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to holding individuals accountable."

The march in Coalisland was organised by the National Republican Commemoration Committee which is affiliated to republican prisoners held on the Roe Four landing at Maghaberry Prison who are aligned to the `IRA'.

Earlier this month the `IRA' claimed responsibility for killing prison officer Adrian Ismay who died days after a bomb exploded under his van in east Belfast.

There was a strong PSNI presence in the area yesterday with road blocks on several routes leading into the mainly nationalist village. A PSNI helicopter also flew overhead as several thousand people accompanied by bands marched from Clonoe to St Patrick's Hall in the town.

Officers also took photographs and filmed those taking part while police vehicles fixed with cameras circled local roads.

In Lurgan, a PSNI helicopter hovered overhead Kilwilkie estate as the procession made its way to nearby St Colman’s Cemetery where several wreaths were placed at the cemetery’s republican plot.

During the commemoration a masked man read out a statement on behalf of the "leadership of the republican movement."

The statement contained a threat from the Continuity IRA.

"We continue our resolve to continue the struggle against British rule," it said.

"The volunteers of the Continuity Irish Republican Army will continue to strike at will at the British forces of occupation.

"That is the most fitting tribute we can make to the men and women of 1916."