Twelfth Parades Pass Off Without Any Major Disruptions

The Twelfth parades passed off without any major disruptions.

However, there was a stand off between loyalists and republicans in north Belfast.

A large crowd of people gathered outside shops in the Ardoyne area after an Orange Order feeder parade passed off without any major incidents.

A number of police were present and brought the incident under control.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "I understand that expressing cultural identity is important within our society and equally that people have the right to protest peacefully. I would like to praise the responsible approach taken across our communities in bringing positive influence to bear in ensuring today's parades and protests were mostly lawful and peaceful. 

"There was a minor confrontation at the Ardoyne shop fronts following the formal events of the day. This was peacefully resolved in co-operation with community representatives. There were also however a number of reported breaches of Parades Commission determinations.

"While the foremost consideration of my officers was to keep people safe and ensure that all events, parades and protests passed off peacefully and within the law, we had evidence gathering operations in place to record any offences. We will now be studying the footage recorded and if any offences are detected we will investigate and take appropriate action."

(CD/JP)