Court Hears Police Feared Gun Attack Before Drumcree Parade Ban

A court hearing revealed police feared a firearm assault if the banned Drumcree parade proceeded.

A Belfast court reviewing the prohibition of the Drumcree parade was told that police feared a potential firearm attack had the event taken place. The judicial review follows demands from Unionist leaders for complete disclosure on the threat intelligence used to block the march. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant had maintained that halting the Portadown procession was necessary for public safety rather than a surrender to intimidation.

• The legal challengeAn application for judicial review in Belfast is contesting the government decision to prohibit the Orange Order procession.
• The official stanceSir Chris Bryant rejected accusations that authorities conceded to threats when halting the contentious Portadown march.

What's new · 3h agoA Belfast court heard evidence that police anticipated a firearm attack if the Drumcree march went forward.

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