“This is completely false. Do not fall for misinformation or react.”
A DUP MP has urged people “not to fall for misinformation” regarding “bands” and loyalists gathering at Drumcree.
Thousands of protesters have blocked the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown in a bid to prevent a contentious Orange Order parade passing.
A ruling by the Parades Commission adjudication body permitting the march from Drumcree Church was upheld in an “unprecedented” late-night sitting of the High Court in Belfast just a few hours earlier.
The Drumcree parade, which was associated with violent clashes during the Troubles, has been banned since 1998.
Protesters, many of them wearing balaclavas, clustered in large groups in heavy rain along the road on Sunday morning – a move that delayed the scheduled 8am start of the parade. Sinn Féin leaders were among those gathered on the road.
Posting on social media, DUP MP Carla Lockhart said she has been “made aware of false information” stating that “bands and loyalists are converging” in response to the blockade on the Garvaghy Road.
She added: “This is completely false. We believe this is deliberate misinformation being pushed by nefarious Republican sources in an attempt to goad young people into a confrontation.
“Do not fall for misinformation or react. The law is on our side and we are upholding it peacefully.
“We are still standing with the 35 brethren for a peaceful resolution and upholding of the determination for Portadown Orange District LOL 1 to complete their parade.”
First Minister, and Sinn Féin vice-president, Michelle O’Neill said the reignition of the Drumcree dispute “brings into question how this whole peace process works”.
Party president Mary Lou McDonald called on Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to intervene to ban the parade. She said the people of the Garvaghy Road would “not be drawn back to the past”.
The group of Orangemen due to take part in the parade waited at nearby Drumcree Church, having assembled early on Sunday.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher appealed to “those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law” as he his officers would detect any offences throughout the day.
He added: “It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.”
Follow our live blog for the latest updates on this developing situation on Garvaghy Road.
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