Police in Northern Ireland are set to start issuing letters to those suspected of having committed a criminal offence in the ongoing parading dispute in Portadown.
It relates to alleged breaches of a Parades Commission decision to allow an Orange Order parade to complete its traditional route from Drumcree Church down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years.
But the parade has been unable to take place because of significant numbers opposed to the decision attending protests on the Garvaghy Road.
Next phase of criminal investigation
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher previously made it clear there would be “consequences” for those found to have broken the law.
On Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police were moving to the next phase of the large-scale criminal investigation.
He said letters would be issued to those suspected of committing offences.
“This team have been methodically working through the evidence collected by police so far during the operation, building this material into evidential packages in respect of identified persons reasonably suspected of committing offences,” he said.
“This work will now proceed to the next phase where individuals will receive letters regarding the interview process.”
Legal challenge continues
He said he was satisfied that this step would not have an impact on the ongoing civil legal action.
Earlier, the Court of Appeal in Belfast heard a legal challenge to the Parades Commission decision to allow the Orange Order to march along the Garvaghy Road.
Judgment has not yet been given in that case.
On Monday, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said she hoped the court would deliver judgment in a “swift enough time frame”.
