Police are investigating six processions that took place without the required notification in various locations across Northern Ireland. The parades occurred in the Shankill Road area of west Belfast, Dunloy, Tennent Street in north Belfast, Bangor, the Waterside area of Derry and Newtownabbey.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said the right to participate in a public procession is a fundamental human right, but that right is balanced by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and prevent and detect crime. He said a procession must submit lawful notification before proceeding and the absence of such notification may constitute an offence.

McNally said the police assessment is informed by public safety, the prevention of disorder and the need that any response is lawful, necessary and proportionate. He reminded anyone organising a public procession or parade of their responsibility to comply with notification requirements and engage with police. He said police will protect the rights of everyone and will continue to monitor the situation and engage with those involved.

In Derry, a loyalist demonstration on Tuesday October 13 is among those under investigation as an unnotified procession. The rally was organised against what organisers described as 'two tier' policing. Several dozen people took part in the procession, which proceeded from Irish Street to the PSNI station on the Waterside.

Police said approximately 60 people had gathered, making their way from the Dennet Gardens area of the Irish Street estate to Lisnagelvin Road. Police issued a warning in relation to being involved in an un-notified procession. The procession continued and paused for a time outside the police station, then proceeded towards the Crescent Link junction of Lisnagelvin Road, and those involved subsequently dispersed.

A protest took place in the Irish Street area later in the evening at around 8.40pm. Those involved dispersed by 9pm, according to the PSNI.