The Continuity IRA organised masked men parade in Lurgan
DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit have launched a probe after masked men from the Continuity IRA marched through part of a town ahead of the Easter Rising centenary commemorations.
The dissident republicans – dressed in paramilitary uniforms, wearing berets, masks and dark glasses – marched from the staunchly republican Kilwilkie estate to St Colman’s Cemetery in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Unionist politicians said they would be contacting the PSNI about the parade
DUP councillor Carla Lockhart said it was “deeply concerning” and she would speak to police about the incident.
“The days of masked men parading through our streets should be gone,” she said.
The TUV’s Roy Ferguson said it was a “totally unacceptable state of affairs”.
He added: “I will be contacting the PSNI to demand an explanation as to why the terrorist show of strength was permitted to take place and how they propose to bring those involved before the courts.
“It was predictable that the events of this weekend would be used to glorify terrorism. I hope that Lurgan hasn’t set the standard for the PSNI response.”
In response, area PSNI commander Supt Paul Reid said in a statement: “Police are aware of a small unnotified parade which took place in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan on Saturday afternoon, 26 March.
“Those wishing to organising a parade must give formal notification of their intentions.
“An investigation into this incident is underway and enquiries are ongoing”.
