Four arrests after protest disorder in County Down

Four men have been arrested after minor disorder associated with a protest held in Main Street in Scarva, in County Down.

It is understood to have involved an unnotified counter-protest opposing a pro-Palestine march going from Lurgan to Newry on Saturday.

Three men were also cautioned in relation to public order offences at the towpath between Portadown and Newry, also understood to be an unnotified counter-protest.

By law those organising a protest against a public procession must notify the Parades Commission not less than 14 days before the date on which the parade is to be held.

Supt Norman Haslett, who was responsible for the policing operation, said footage will now be reviewed and they will “consider any potential offences”.

In Newry, police said a flag, believed to be associated with a proscribed terrorist organisation was removed from a parade participant by police and this is subject to an ongoing police investigation.

Supt Haslet said it was an “appropriate and proportionate policing operation to ensure that the safety of everyone involved was maintained and that the law was upheld”.