Northern Ireland

Police Ombudsman receives 'almost 40' complaints about Ormeau Road march disturbance

A policeman draws his baton during clashes with loyalist bandsmen on Ormeau Road in south Belfast. Video grab from UTV
A policeman draws his baton during clashes with loyalist bandsmen on Ormeau Road in south Belfast. Video grab from UTV A policeman draws his baton during clashes with loyalist bandsmen on Ormeau Road in south Belfast. Video grab from UTV

ALMOST 40 people have contacted the Police Ombudsman about disturbances during a band parade in south Belfast last month.

A police officer used CS spray during trouble linked to a Junior Orange Lodge march on the Ormeau Road on March 29.

An Ombudsman spokesman said the watchdog was keen to hear from anyone else who may have seen what happened or recorded video footage, whether or not they were involved in the parade itself.

He said: "The incident happened at around 5.10pm close to the Ormeau Road's junction with Park Road, near the Ormeau Bakery apartments.

"We're keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened immediately before, during and after the use of CS spray by an officer."

Loyalists aggrieved at police handling of the march held a protest outside Musgrave police station in the city centre on Tuesday night.