Chanting at a Royal Black Preceptory parade in Newry at the weekend is being investigated as a ‘sectarian-motivated hate crime’, police have said.
A video of the incident has been widely shared on social media, taken during a parade by members of the Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4 on their return from the ‘Last Saturday’ demonstration in Killyleagh, Co. Down.
The footage appears to depict a number of people chanting and singing as the march processes down Trevor Hill.
Police have said they are aware of the video and have launched an investigation.
Read more: Sectarian abuse at Royal Black Preceptory parade in Newry branded ‘extremely concerning’
A spokesperson said: “Police are aware of a video circulating on social media of an incident in Newry during a parade of the Royal Black Preceptory on the evening of 31st August.
“A police investigation has been commenced into the incident which police are treating as a sectarian motivated hate crime.”
The incident was condemned by a number of local politicians, including UUP councillor David Taylor, who witnessed the scenes first-hand.
“For many of us who have participated in parades in Newry over the years this has sadly been all too frequent an occurrence, however on Saturday evening past, the intensity of that abuse and the numbers involved was extremely concerning,” he said.
Cusher TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe also wrote to the Chief Constable regarding the incident.
He said: “I have been approached by a number of people who were on the receiving end of this abuse who have asked me to raise the incident.
“They feel, as do I that there is little excuse for a lack of action by the police given that so many of those involved in this repulsive behaviour are clearly identifiable in the video.”
The police spokesperson continued: “We are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact 101 quoting reference number CW 430 of 03/09/24.
“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.“
