Police have explained why they did not clear nationalist protesters from the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday, saying doing so would have required a disproportionate use of force and would have made serious disorder inevitable.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said an estimated 1,000 people, including women, children and older people, gathered on the road during the day. He said repeated attempts by police to get them to move were unsuccessful.

Henderson said the Parades Commission had permitted Portadown District LOL No. 1 to parade along the notified route, but police could not allow the loyal order its lawful right because of an unlawful and unnotified protest.

He noted that no violence or disorder occurred on the road over the weekend and that a significant public safety operation remains in place. Police continue to engage with all stakeholders.

An evidence gathering operation was in place and warnings were issued on multiple occasions, Henderson said. A dedicated enquiry team is now reviewing footage and any breaches of the law will be investigated, with files reported to the Public Prosecution Service for independent decisions on prosecution.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he was proud of his officers and that the policing operation had so far helped ensure no violence or disorder. He appealed for calm and urged those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law.

Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, praised the restraint and professionalism of officers, saying no one was hurt and no rioting occurred. He said police negotiators sought a peaceful way through for residents and the Orange Order, and he warned against scapegoating police for what he called political failures leading up to Sunday's events.

The Orange Order criticised the police response, with a Grand Lodge spokesman saying there was no shortage of evidence of people involved in the unnotified protest. He anticipated a swift response holding lawbreakers to account and raised concerns about different policing approaches, referencing a high-profile paramilitary funeral during Covid.