Tensions rising ahead of disputed loyalist parade

Tensions are rising in parts of Derry and Antrim in advance of a disputed loyalist parade next week.

The police are investigating a series of sectarian incidents in the Ballymena and Coleraine areas, including attacks on Catholic churches and Orange Halls.

In the latest incident, loyalists daubed paint on a Catholic Church in Ballymena, while on Wednesday, paint was thrown at the home of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan and her husband, SDLP Assemblyman Declan O'Loan.

The Parades Commission has banned any paramilitary emblems at next Friday's parade by a loyalist flute band in Rasharkin, Co Antrim.

It has also restricted a protest against the parade to 130 people.