Northern Ireland

More loyalist protest parades held across north

Hundreds have taken part in a loyalist protest parade in Newtownabbey
Hundreds have taken part in a loyalist protest parade in Newtownabbey Hundreds have taken part in a loyalist protest parade in Newtownabbey

MORE loyalist protest parades have taken place across Northern Ireland in recent days.

The protests have been organised by loyalists angry over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Last month violence erupted in several loyalist districts as tensions spilled over.

Loyalists have also expressed annoyance over the handling of republican Bobby Storey's funeral amid claims of two-tier policing.

Recent protest parades have remained peaceful, with hundreds turning out at localised events often organised at short notice.

To date the majority of the parades have not been notified to the Parades Commission, which has the power to ban or place restrictions on contentious processions.

On Thursday hundreds of loyalists turned out for an unnotified protest in Newtownabbey for what was billed as a "mass band parade".

It was reported some of those taking part carried flags and banners as the parade, which was promoted by the East Antrim Loyalist Coalition, made its way from the Doagh Road area to Newtownabbey PSNI station where a letter of protest was handed in.

A similar parade was expected to be held in Broughshane, Co Antrim, last night.

Earlier this week north Down loyalist Jamie Bryson warned more protests can be expected.

"My understanding is that many communities across Northern Ireland are continuing to organise protests," he said.