Drumcree violence condemned by First Minister

Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has condemned yesterday’s violence at an Orange Order’s protest at Drumcree in which 24 police officers were injured as “appalling”.

Speaking after visiting one of the injured police officers in hospital Mr Trimble said he was disappointed that an occasion, which they hoped would have passed off peacefully, was instead used as an “occasion for riot”.

He added some people who attended the parade in support of Portadown Orangemen ended up doing an “enormous amount of damage to Orangeism”.

"The riots that took place has to be condemned and the injuries that have been inflicted on the police cannot be supported and we hope very much that there's no more incidents of this nature,” he added.

The trouble began on Sunday afternoon when a formal letter of protest was handed over to a senior police officer at the security barriers.

A short time later a small crowd of supporters then forced open the gates which were in place to stop the march going down the road.

They began throwing stones and other missiles at the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White, who was in control of the police operation at Drumcree yesterday said: “The Province was let down by law breakers, by thugs and, I am sorry to say some of those people were wearing Orange collarettes.”

The Chairman of the Policing Board Des Rea also condemned the violence. Speaking after receiving a report from the Acting Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn, on the injuries to officers, he said: “The viciousness of attack directed at the police was extremely disturbing as were the level and extent of injuries sustained by the police and their military colleagues.”

He added: “I would urge all those with influence to promote peaceful demonstration in the coming days and weeks. Extreme violence does not promote any cause.”

The Orange Order’s executive officer George Patton also condemned the violence. Speaking on a BBC radio programme today he said: "Any right thinking person would have been absolutely horrified at what they saw on their television screens.”

(AMcE)