Police praise 'peaceful' Derry march

Today’s Apprentice Boys march in Derry was one of the most peaceful in 15 years after only four arrests, police said.

An estimated 10,000 Apprentice Boys and 120 bands took part in the main demonstration which commemorates the 1688 Siege of Derry.

Supt Johnny McCarroll said: “It was very successful – I think it was one of the most peaceful parades that I have seen in 15 years of policing.”

“I am very pleased for the city.”

Two people were arrested for drunkenness while another pair were arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Police also said that seven bands would be reported to the Apprentice Boys organisation for behaving in a “deliberately provocative manner“.

The loyal order parade commemorates the 13 apprentice boys who shut Derry’s gates at the start of the Siege of Derry by the troops of the Catholic King James II in December 1688.

Earlier, rival groups of loyalists and nationalists exchanged taunts during the parade.

Local SDLP Councillor Colum Eastwood described the sectarian chants from band members in Derry today as ‘shameful and totally disrespectful’.

Cllr Eastwood said he was glad the parade was peaceful but added: “I was totally disgusted to watch on as band members and supporters chanted sectarian slogans.

“These chants were used to incite hatred and provoke nationalists.

“They were totally uncalled for and in my opinion were totally disrespectful to the citizens of Derry.

“The town has come to a standstill today as most shops closed their doors. To be treated with such contempt by band members and supporters is a grave insult to the nationalist community.”

Cllr Eastwood appealed to everybody to remain calm for the remainder of the day.

“Those who are taunting and chanting are only showing themselves up as sectarian bigots with no dignity or no respect,” he added.

Police praised the co-operation of the Apprentice Boys, the Bogside Residents’ Group and Chamber of Commerce during today’s event.

Earlier, police in Society Street were pelted with petrol bombs as an Apprentice Boys bannerette was being dedicated, but nobody was injured.

The main demonstration, which lasted for several hours, was preceded by a religious service and a pageant re-enacting the siege.

The parade, which has been relatively trouble-free in recent years, is Northern Ireland’s biggest annual loyal order parade.