RUC defends its handling of loyalist parade

The RUC has defended their handling of a loyalist paramilitary group's show of strength on Belfast's Shankill Road at the weekend…

The RUC has defended their handling of a loyalist paramilitary group's show of strength on Belfast's Shankill Road at the weekend.

Sinn Féin accused the RUC of facilitating Saturday's march by the UDA, which organisers claimed involved up to 10,000 people. Some of the marchers were masked and wearing paramilitary uniforms.

The parade was staged to mark the first anniversary of the death of Jackie Coulter, who was killed in last year's loyalist feud with the rival UVF.

Fears that the parade might resurrect the feud were not realised.

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An RUC spokesman today responded to Sinn Féin’s accusations, saying the parade was "lawful" and the police had done everything to ensure that it passed off without incident.

"This was a lawful parade. The organisers approached the Parades Commission who decided not to issue a determination," the spokesman said.

"The main policing objective was to ensure the parade passed off peacefully.

PA