Police block Orange Order from controversial parade route

The police operation continued throughout most of Sunday, with Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher telling reporters that officers had been gathering evidence from the outset.

“So whatever’s been happening, by whatever party, we’ve been gathering the evidence of what they’ve been doing,” he said.

“So we’ll deal with that at the right time.”

Jon Boutcher said he had wanted a “sensible and peaceful conclusion” and hoped everyone involved could find “a place that they can, with dignity, walk away from the current situation”.

He said success would mean “not one hair on one head gets harmed”.

Church leaders also appealed for a peaceful resolution.

Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell called for an “urgent” and inclusive initiative to resolve the crisis, stating: “Too much is at stake.”

Two schools in the area announced they would close on Monday because of the continuing situation, citing the safety and wellbeing of pupils, families and staff.