Thousands gather for peaceful Twelfth parades

The police have commended all communities for taking part in peaceful twelfth parades and are very pleased that no major incidents occurred.

Tens of thousands of Orangemen attended the parades across Northern Ireland yesterday and all of the marches passed off peacefully.

Commenting on the parades Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said: "All of today's parades and a number of protests passed off peacefully which must be welcomed by everyone. Last year was one of the most peaceful summers for decades and there has been a real desire by everyone to build on this and ensure that we have another a positive year on the parading front.

"I would encourage everyone to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that long-term acceptable solutions can be found. This will ultimately benefit the whole of society."

However, some buses carrying bandsmen were stoned on their way home from a parade in Loughgall. It is understood that the buses had deviated from a route recommended by police and were attacked by a stone throwing crowd. Windows were smashed on several of the buses.

The Orange Order marches each July 12 in commemoration of a 1690 victory by the forces of a Protestant king, William of Orange, over the Catholic monarch James II.

(CD)