Police review body-worn footage after altercation during Apprentice Boys parade in Rasharkin
An investigation is under way after an altercation during an Apprentice Boys feeder parade in Rasharkin on Saturday evening, with police reviewing body-worn camera footage to establish exactly what happened.
The incident occurred as members of the local Apprentice Boys club and their accompanying band returned to the village on Saturday, 8 August, following the annual Relief of Derry celebrations.
Police said a “short altercation” involving some band members and two males took place at around 7.50pm as the parade passed an Orange Hall. Officers intervened and dispersed those involved, with no further incidents reported that evening.
However, North Antrim MP Jim Allister and the Rasharkin Apprentice Boys Club have both criticised the policing operation, while the PSNI maintains that “appropriate and proportionate” measures were in place to protect public safety.
Police reviewing body-worn camera footage
In a statement issued to Love Ballymena, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said:
“Officers were in attendance policing a feeder parade in the Rasharkin area on Saturday evening, 8th August.
“An appropriate and proportionate policing operation was in place in the area, in order to maintain public safety.
“As the parade passed an Orange Hall at approximately 7.50pm, a short altercation ensued between some band members and two males also present in the area.
“This was quickly dispersed by officers at the scene who spoke to all parties involved.
“All those involved in the altercation left the area – with no further issues reported on Saturday evening.
“Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of what happened, which will include an evidence-gathering operation from police body-worn cameras that will be reviewed in due course.”
The PSNI statement therefore confirms that enquiries remain ongoing, with footage recorded by officers expected to form part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Jim Allister criticises policing operation
North Antrim MP Jim Allister has strongly criticised the PSNI response, claiming officers failed to adequately prepare for what he described as a “predictable event”.
Under the heading “Rasharkin must not be surrendered to lawless elements”, Mr Allister said:
“It is disappointing that tonight in Rasharkin local hoodlums abused the returning Apprentice Boys Club and their band.
“There was failure by the PSNI to prepare for such a predictable event, given the aggressive history of republicans in Rasharkin. Inadequate measures were taken to protect the lawful procession.
“This notified and lawful parade should have been policed in a manner which prevented the abuse and threats of violence to which participants were subjected.
“Rasharkin must not be surrendered to lawless elements which wish to deny basic rights to Protestant bands and organisations.”
Mr Allister’s characterisation of those involved and his criticism of the policing operation are his own. Police have not attributed the incident to any organisation or political grouping and have said their enquiries are continuing.
Rasharkin Apprentice Boys also criticise PSNI
The local Rasharkin Club of the Apprentice Boys of Derry also accused police of contributing to the disruption, although it did not provide further detail about the basis for that allegation.
Reflecting on the wider day’s events, the club said:
“Another great Relief of Derry celebration completed! It was brilliant to walk with Steeple Defenders, who were excellent all day. Some people tried to spoil our day when we returned to Rasharkin and sadly they were aided in doing so by the PSNI. They failed miserably.”
The competing accounts now leave the circumstances of Saturday evening’s confrontation subject to further police enquiries.
No arrests or injuries were reported by police in their statement, and the PSNI said there were no further issues after those involved in the altercation left the area.
The review of officers’ body-worn camera footage is expected to provide further evidence as police seek to establish what happened and whether any offences were committed.
