Police are investigating after receiving a report that a man in his 40s was assaulted during The Royal Black Institution’s ‘Last Saturday’ parade in Ballymena.
Thousands of spectators flood into the town for the County Antrim demonstration on Saturday (31 August), and with the sun shining and around 4,500 participants marching – including the members of 75 bands - it was a day that was enjoyed by all, from the youngest to the oldest.
However one incident marred the dignified procession when an altercation took place in the area of Queen Street / Salisbury Square.
Video footage widely circulated on social media show a brief altercation which broke out between a number of bandsmen and the man who was watching the parade. The circumstances are unknown.
It is understood the man suffered a broken leg as a result of the incident.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland commented:
“Police received a report of an assault at the Queen Street area of Ballymena on Saturday 31st August.
“Shortly after 5.50pm, it was reported that a number of males were involved in an altercation during a band parade in the area. It was reported that a man in his 40s was struck on the head, which resulted in an injury to his ankle following the incident.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and police would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1175 31/08/24.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/“