Police attacked during Easter Monday dissident republican parade in Derry in 2022
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton, speaking at a press conference, said displays of paramilitary uniforms and shows of strength are expected in addition to the illegal parades.
“We have very strong community intelligence coming forward in relation to Monday’s events and real concern that there may be attempts to draw police into serious public disorder and to use that as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police,” he said.
Derry City and Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard, said police are aware of two parades scheduled to take place in Derry on Easter Monday – in Rosemount in the morning and in Creggan in the afternoon.
“Organisers of parades are legally required to give formal notification of their intentions ahead of such events,” he said.
“Unfortunately, as of today, Thursday, the organisers have not done this.
“Consequently, both of these events are un-notified and will, therefore, automatically commit criminal offences if they go ahead un-notified.
“We’ve been engaging with key community representatives in advance of both of these events and we encourage the organisers to consider submitting the required documentation to the Parades Commission as there is still time to do so.
“As a police service, we have a professional duty to take steps to prevent offences from occurring, to maintain the peace and keep people safe.
“It is our intention to police these events proportionately on the day.
“However, if both events are un-notified that will require a larger police presence and operation than had these events been notified and legal.
“An evidence gathering operation will be in place in the city as these events take place, after which we will review any evidence gathered to identify any offences that may be committed.”’
SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan called for assurances from Chief Constable Simon Byrne that the PSNI response to tackle the increased threat would be measured.
He said: “I fully recognise the seriousness of the situation facing our police officers and the vast, vast majority of people I speak with on a daily basis, stand with the PSNI at this time of increased danger and risk.
“However, in order to maximise the effectiveness of policing, we have to maximise the support for and acceptance of the PSNI in order to combat groups that control communities here.
“These so-called republican groups will do all they can to undermine policing and the characterisation of the service as ‘imperial crown forces’ coming down hard on nationalists.
“To counter that argument, it is absolutely essential that investigations and enquiries are seen to be carried out with proportionality and equity.”
Tags: