PSNI uses CS spray to quell Antrim disturbances

PSNI officers were forced to use CS spray when trouble broke out following an Orange parade in Co Antrim last night.

PSNI officers were forced to use CS spray when trouble broke out following an Orange parade in Co Antrim last night.

The disturbances were in Rasharkin when local Orangemen returned to the village after attending the main county parade, the PSNI revealed today.

Tensions had been running high after an arson attack on the Orange Hall in the main street in the early hours of the morning.

The Orangemen had also been delayed from making their departure for the main parade by what turned out to be a hoax bomb planted on their route.

Following recent damage to a Catholic owned pub local SDLP Assembly member Declan O'Loan had warned of the consequences of the actions and appealed for cool heads. He called on those with an influence in the community to help calm the situation.

"There is now a state of considerable tension with feelings of anger and resentment. This could lead to worse incidents if it is not brought under control," he said. "There is a responsibility on everyone to do what they can to calm down the situation."

Meanwhile, four youths were arrested following disturbances in Enniskillen last night.

Police were called to the Cornagrade area of Enniskillen last night after reports that a number of youths were gathering in the area. Both the PSNI and the fire services came under attack as petrol bombs, stones and other missiles were thrown at them.

Local businesses suffered some damage as windows and doors were broken during the incident.

The four have been charged with public order offences and remain in custody.