PSNI fuel Castlederg trouble

Trouble that broke out during a loyalist parade through the mainly nationalist Ferguson Crescent area of Castlederg, County Tyrone, on Saturday night 27 August was worsened by the actions of the PSNI.

Sinn Féin councillor for the area Charlie McHugh claimed that while there was a reaction to the Black Preceptory Parade, which was routed through the mainly nationalist area of Castlederg, the PSNI completely over-reacted.

According to McHugh the PSNI forced their way into a local public house after one of their members was hit and they dragged people out.

"People were attacked with batons and forced to the ground where they were handcuffed. And at least two people were sprayed with CS spray."

McHugh went on to criticise the Black Preceptory and the Parades Commission for forcing the loyalist parade through Ferguson Crescent. "Of the three routes through Castlederg a loyalist parade through Ferguson Crescent would be the most contentious," he said.

Four men from the area appeared in court in Omagh on Tuesday 28 August on charges relating to Saturday evenings trouble while the PSNI claimed that one PSNI member and a number of people taking part in the parade were injured.