Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press

Upper Bann DUP MLA Carla Lockhart praised the actions of the PSNI following the illegal march by members of Republican Sinn Fein this afternoon.

Masked men marched to an illegal memorial in the Kilwilkie area where a ceremony took place.

It is believed police swooped once the parade had finished.

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Mrs Lockhart said: “I believe they were intercepted on the periphery of the town when the parade was over. The current number of arrests is 12 and I would expect that to rise. I understand that quite a few cautions have been referred to the PPS.” There was controversy earlier this year when police failed to take action following previous parades involving masked men in Lurgan and Coaisland.

Mrs Lockhart added: “From my perspective I welcome the police action. This was an illegal, unauthorised parade and any attempt to glorify terrorism is unwelcome.

“We can see from the videos circulating on the internet that children were involved and that’s very worrying.”

In a statement issued tonight, the PSNI said that following an “unnotified parade” in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan today, 12 males have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the public processions act and associated offences.

Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press

Supt. David Moore said, “The arrests were as a result of the subsequent policing operation and concurrent investigation.”

Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press

Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press

Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press

Pacemaker Press INTL 28/05/2016 Republican SINN FÃ‰IN parade through the Kilwilkie Estate in Lurgan to the unveiling of the Vol. Edward Costello 1916 Memorial Garden Photo Aidan OReilly Pacemaker Press