Four appear in court after Glengormley parade

Four people have appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court in relation to the disturbances during an Orange Order Parade in Newtownabbey last night.

An 18-year-old man was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. He was released and will reappear before the same court on July 14.

A 19-year-old man was remanded in custody, while two juveniles who were also arrested, also appeared in court in connection with the trouble.

A police officer and a member of the public sustained injuries after trouble erupted during the mini-twelfth parade in Glengormley.

Members of the Orange Order claimed that an opposing crowd arrived at the scene and hurled missiles at marchers as the parade passed through the area at around 8.40pm.

Albert Steele, the deputy district master of Carnmoney Orange Lodge, said: "There was a barrage of golf balls, stones, bottles with urine in them and paint bombs.

"One of the bands got splattered with paint, the district master got hit three times, twice with golf balls and a brick on the back of the leg."

It is understood that trouble flared as the parade passed by Church Crescent in the village, where an opposing mob had gathered alongside spectators.

Community representatives helped the PSNI to restore order.

One juvenile was arrested at the scene and three others were arrested a short time later - two at Farrier Court and one at Glengormley Park.

A police spokesman said: "Newtownabbey police condemn the actions of a small number of people on both sides of this disorder who were intent on causing trouble."

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said the incident was "yet another act of republican sectarianism and intolerance towards the unionist and Orange tradition," and added that republicans are sending a clear message of "intolerance and domination" to the unionist people.

(EF/SP)