Police in Northern Ireland have identified 60 suspects as part of a criminal investigation into a protest that took place on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown last month.

A team of 30 officers is reviewing more than 70 hours of recorded material linked to the protest, which prevented an Orange Order march from proceeding along that road. The parade had been authorised by the Parades Commission but was later halted by Secretary of State Chris Bryant, a decision that was ruled lawful in the High Court.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said evidential packages have been prepared for all 60 suspects. Eighteen of those individuals have already been interviewed, and case files are being prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service.

Among those interviewed are a number of senior Sinn Féin politicians, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill, according to police sources. The PSNI has not named the other suspects.

Two people have been arrested and charged with public order offences in relation to the event, police confirmed. The investigation is expected to be lengthy, with further inquiries continuing in the coming weeks.

The protest followed a Parades Commission determination that the Portadown Orange District could walk along the Garvaghy Road, a route that has been contentious for decades and was the scene of major disputes in the 1990s. Residents and supporters blocked the road for 12 days in opposition to the march.

The Secretary of State's decision to ban the parade was subsequently challenged by the Orange Order and upheld by a High Court judge, who also noted the large-scale criminal investigation underway into offences arising from the protest.

Police said no further comment would be made at this time due to the live nature of the investigation.