Tensions mount in Drumcree stand-off

The Orange Order will set off from the Carlton Street Orange Hall later this morning to partake in their traditional annual Somme commemoration.

The march has been re-routed away from the nationalist Garvaghy Road

area for the fourth year running.

The British Army and the RUC have already erected barriers and installed defence systems to keep the nationalist and loyalist communities in the Portadown area separated.

Previous stand-offs surrounding the parade have resulted in violent clashes

and angry scenes, which many expect to be continued again today.

Anti-tank posts, razor wire and concrete blocks have been installed, while the ditch between Drumcree Church and the nationalist area has been widened and deepened and water added to it as an added deterrent.