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Video: Independent councillor Padraig McShane arrested at Ballycastle march

Causeway Coast and Glens Independent councillor Padraig McShane is arrested in Ballycastle during an Orange Order parade. Picture by Joe Gilmartin
Causeway Coast and Glens Independent councillor Padraig McShane is arrested in Ballycastle during an Orange Order parade. Picture by Joe Gilmartin Causeway Coast and Glens Independent councillor Padraig McShane is arrested in Ballycastle during an Orange Order parade. Picture by Joe Gilmartin

AN independent nationalist councillor was arrested during an Orange Order parade in Co Antrim.

He has since been released on police bail.

Video footage shows Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Padraig McShane in an altercation with officers following verbal exchanges with marchers in Ballycastle.

Blood from an apparent head wound can also be seen as he is taken away in handcuffs.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday in the Diamond area of town during a parade which earlier attracted a protest in the mainly nationalist town.

Mr McShane had previously voiced concern about the march, which was not classified as sensitive.

Seconds before his arrest he was involved in a minor altercation with members of Dervock Young Defenders flute band, some of whom were wearing Union flag facemasks.

It is understood Mr McShane reacted angrily following comments about a suspected loyalist arson attack on his Ballycastle home in 2014.

In recent years he has also been critical of loyalists who raised a Union flag in the grounds of small Catholic church in the loyalist village of Dervock.

In 2014 the words 'Padraig McShane - dead man' were painted on a white sheet and hung from a loyalist bonfire in Dervock.

During the brief encounter, a member of the band was filmed apparently spitting in the direction of Mr McShane after a verbal exchange.

The former Sinn Féin councillor is then seen remonstrating with police officers before an altercation develops and he is arrested on the ground.

During the arrest one police officer can be seen lifting his knee in the direction of Mr McShane.

The councillor was later brought to Coleraine PSNI station where he was questioned on Tuesday night.

Mr McShane’s sister, Cara McShane, who is a Sinn Fein councillor, said the incident had damaged community relations.

"Business people who work all year around do not want this brought to their door steps.

“People who work 365 days a year are now left to pick up the pieces.”