The Police Service of Northern Ireland's Chief Constable has outlined the approach to the ongoing operation around the Orange Order Portadown District No 1's notified procession on the Garvaghy Road, following recent legal proceedings and heightened tensions in Portadown and beyond.

He said: "There has been much commentary since 3rd September when the Orange Order Portadown District No 1 notified a procession along the Garvaghy Road. On 25th September the Parades Commission issued a determination permitting the procession subject to certain conditions. The PSNI have been mindful of the importance of facilitating the determination, however that determination did not mean, as many people have suggested, that the police had to ensure the parade could proceed at all costs.

"Urgent Judicial Review proceedings were commenced that evening to challenge the determination with the decision being upheld after sittings by the High Court and Court of Appeal that finished in the early hours of Sunday morning the 27th September, the day the parade was to take place. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has continued at all times to operate independently and impartially.

"We planned and resourced for all potential outcomes from a peaceful procession through to serious and sustained disorder. The policing plan was predicated on facilitating the determination, respecting the human rights of all parties and whilst also meeting my independent legal obligations to protect life and property. From Sunday 27th September my officers were required to respond with a large scale policing operation. The response of officers on the ground throughout has been exemplary. "We have continually reviewed all options and engaged with all parties. It was my ongoing assessment that short of a major public order operation, that would require substantial numbers of protected officers and specialist capabilities with a likelihood of prolonged disorder resulting in injuries to the public and officers, with an impact beyond Portadown, the parade could not be safely undertaken. My overriding responsibility is to keep people safe, that includes members of the Orange Order, the Garvaghy Road residents and communities beyond Portadown. Such a major public order operation would have presented risks to both parties and had long term consequences for trust and confidence in policing and the peace process.

"The place for resolving this dispute must not be on the streets of Northern Ireland.

"There is considerable public and online commentary about the rule of law and trust and confidence in policing and the Executive. The history of Northern Ireland and loss of life associated with such disputes make that inevitable as emotions run high.

"I ask that people be respectful and consider the views of everyone and to not let a minority of bad actors incite any criminality or allow Northern Ireland to go backwards.

"I have directed that the criminal justice process continue at pace regarding those who engaged in unlawful protest, the courts are the place to address such behaviour.

"I also want to be very clear about the need for everyone to act in a responsible and measured fashion at times like this.

"On Sunday 11th October the Garvaghy Road and Drumcree Hill had no protesters or members of the Orange Order present. The overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland want to live happy, prosperous and safe lives and are dismayed that we are back in this position. I appeal to everyone to use moderate and sensible language, and to act lawfully in seeking a way forward to resolve the dispute. We all have a responsibility to ensuring a peaceful future for Northern Ireland, especially those in leadership roles. There has been no disorder at Drumcree which should be viewed positively by everyone.

"I am mindful of ongoing legal proceedings and ask everyone to respect those processes and act with decency towards those who attend court."