Planned riots could affect Twelfth marches

A massive security operation was being mounted in north Belfast today amid fears that republicans are planning major violence.

Police chiefs claimed that republican paramilitaries are planning to bus youths into Ardoyne to riot in protest against a disputed Orange parade through the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan said: ‘‘We have very clear information that large numbers of republican youths are being bussed into the area by republican paramilitaries and that large quantities of petrol bombs and acid bombs are being manufactured.

‘‘The intention is to organise a major riot and put these people in conflict with the police and Army.’’

There was also a large security presence in the Springfield Road of west Belfast today as Orangemen prepared for their annual Twelfth demonstrations.

Attempts by Sinn Fein to have the two march routes reviewed were rejected by the Parades Commission.

In a statement, the Parades Commission urged all sides to show restraint.

‘‘The Parades Commission hopes that over the next two days those parading and their supporters will show respect to their host communities and that those communities will demonstrate tolerance and respect of the traditions of the parades.

‘‘It particularly calls on everyone to conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful way.’’

There will also be a heavy security presence in the south of the city as Orangemen from Ballynafeigh district have been banned from marching down the lower Ormeau Road.

Orangemen are expected to hand in a letter of protest at Ormeau Bridge.

As thousands of Orangemen and their supporters prepare for demonstrations at 19 venues across the Province, the House of Orange has put in a special resolution condemning all violence.

The resolution follows last week’s violence at Drumcree when members of the Order were seen attacking police lines.

Meanwhile politicians have appealed for calm amid fears that the trouble that has plagued the city interface areas might re-ignite.

Belfast’s Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Alex Maskey said he was concerned there could be widespread street violence.

‘‘I’m aware that there is concern and worry out in our community and that there is perhaps a dangerous cocktail of circumstances out there.

‘‘I’m urging people to exercise political leadership by asking for calm and restraint.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan urged people to remain calm over the weekend.

‘‘I would hope that people will be measured and mature in how they conduct themselves and interact with others this weekend.

‘‘I don’t believe that people have any excuse for trying to ratchet things up.’’

Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey urged anti-Agreement unionists not to use today’s parade to attack other unionists who support the Agreement.