Twelfth parades overshadowed by violence
Thursday, 17 July 2008
The incidents included a bomb hoax in Rasharkin, a fight breaking out between two groups in the village and a family in Bamford park having their windows smashed. The most serious violence of all the twelfth day parades took place on Saturday evening when police used CS gas spray to control a fight which broke out between nationalists and loyalist bandsmen in the village. Tension had been running high after an attack on the Orange Hall in the early hours of the morning when large quantity of paint was poured over the front and side of the hall, as well as flammable liquid. The liquid didn't ignite and there was no fire damage.
Later, thousands of Orangemen who travelled to Rasharkin for the annual twelfth celebrations were prevented from making their way to the main county parade for a short time because of a hoax bomb alert.
SDLP assembly member Declan O'Loan said the clashes had seriously damaged community relations. Adding: "Members of the Ballymaconnelly Flute Band were attacked. Bricks were thrown at them and I understand youths were carrying hurling sticks. There were a number of injuries, though fortunately not serious." Mr O'Loan said that two Orangemen had to receive hospital treatment after fighting outside a local bar. "There is now a state of considerable tension with feelings of anger and resentment. This could lead to worse incidents if it's not brought under control. There is a responsibility on everyone to do what they can to calm down the situation."
DUP Cllr John Finlay added: "I am absolutely appalled at the goings on in Rasharkin both on 11th and 12th of July. On 11th July a Protestant home was attacked and a window broken. Then in the early hours of 12th morning a petrol bomb and paint bombs were thrown at Rasharkin Orange Hall. I was in Rasharkin throughout the night of 11th July to see groups of young Republicans roaming wild in the early hours of the morning just awaiting every opportunity to attack Protestants or anything falling under the category of "Protestant".
“Then on 12th July day I arrived in Rasharkin only to find it cordoned off due to a hoax bomb. It was quite clear that Republicans were determined to cause havoc on 12th day. I was glad that the hoax bomb was quickly cleared and the parade was able to get on its way. During the main parade I understand bands people had golf balls thrown at them between Pullhams shop and the pub."
A statement from PSNI said: "During Saturday's parade in Rasharkin, police had to intervene following a verbal exchange, involving a group of band supporters and local youths that occurred close to licensed premises in Main Street around 4:45 pm.
Both groups threw a small number of missiles, and two cars parked in the area were also damaged. Officers used CS incapacitant spray during the public disturbance before order was restored."
