Police identify 60 suspects in Drumcree and Garvaghy Road protest investigation
Friday 30 October 2026
Police investigating the Drumcree and Garvaghy Road protest have identified 60 suspects, with 18 already interviewed as officers continue gathering evidence over alleged offences linked to the operation.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that a dedicated team of 30 officers is examining more than 70 hours of recorded material as part of what is expected to be a lengthy investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said evidential packages have now been built in respect of all 60 identified suspects, with case files being prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
Thirty officers working through evidence
Providing an update on the investigation, Assistant Chief Constable Beck said:
“A team of 30 officers, led by an experienced Senior Investigating Officer, are methodically working through over 70 hours of recorded material and have now built evidential packages in respect of 60 identified suspects. Currently 18 of these suspects have been interviewed, and case files are now being prepared before being submitted to the Public Prosecution Service for prosecutorial decisions, in line with normal process.
“The investigation will continue in the coming weeks in line with the Criminal Justice Strategy put in place for this operation.
“As this is a live investigation, which is likely to be long-running, we won’t be making any further comment at this time.”
Two people charged with public order offences
Police have also confirmed that two people were arrested and charged with public order offences linked to the operation.
The update does not specify whether those charged are among the 18 suspects interviewed or provide details of the charges, court appearances or alleged individual offences.
The identification of 60 suspects does not mean that charges have been brought against all those individuals. Police are continuing to assess evidence, while decisions on whether to prosecute will rest with the PPS.
Investigation expected to continue
The scale of the investigation, involving 30 officers and more than 70 hours of recorded material, reflects the substantial evidential work being undertaken.
Officers are expected to continue their enquiries in the coming weeks, with further case files to be considered through the normal criminal justice process.
For now, the central outstanding question is how many of the 60 identified suspects will ultimately face prosecution. Police have made clear that the investigation remains live and could be long-running
