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Two PSNI officers have been injured following "minor" trouble at a band parade in South Belfast.

A man was charged following what the PSNI described as "a minor disturbance" at a parade on the Ormeau Road.

Two officers received minor injuries and damage was also caused to a police motorbike.

There were claims that a PSNI officer had used pepper spray on adults and children during the incident.

Independent councillor Ruth Patterson cited reports claiming some bandsmen and young children had been injured during the incident and she would be seeking an urgent meeting with the PSNI.

DUP councillor Christopher Stalford told Belfast Live: "I am deeply concerned at the reports that I have heard of the conduct of an officer on the Ormeau Road today.

"I have contacted the event organisers and I have also contacted the PSNI at the most senior level and I hope that over the coming days we will be able to have a meeting were the serious questions regarding the conduct of the officer in question can be asked and answered in a forthright and open manner."

South Belfast Young Conquerors issued a statement on Facebook criticising the alleged use of force by police.

DUP MLA Emma Pengelly said: "All policing must be appropriate and proportionate. A situation developed during the return leg of the Junior Orange Order Parade as the Parade was proceeding up the Ormeau Road. There are many troubling reports, particularly in light of the number of young people and children, and I have been speaking to the PSNI at a senior level to ascertain what happened.

"There is an obligation on the PSNI to protect expressions of cultural identity and this includes Loyal Order and band parades. This obligation extends to the need by the PSNI to protect those on, and accompanying, a parade.

"The Police Ombudsman has been notified and there must be a full examination of what took place. I will continue to liaise on the issue to ensure this happens. Anyone who was present should come forward and give information to the Police Ombudsman. I am also available at any time for any help and support I can give."

SDLP South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna said efforts must be made to reduce tensions before the marching season.

"I have spoken to senior PSNI officers after being contacted about an incident on the Ormeau Road this evening relating to a marching band from Carrickfergus," she said.

"Police will be reviewing CCTV from various sources to corroborate officer report and I understand that they have given a full report to the Police Ombudsman.

"There has been substantial amount of comment about the incident on social media, including by political representatives. Unless people were actually witness to the events they should be very circumspect about their comments. The wires of policing and politics should not cross and it is inappropriate for representatives to use this incident to escalate tensions before the full facts are known.

"Ormeau is an exceptionally diverse and well integrated area and it is vital that any tensions are reduced ahead of the marching season."

Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "Following a minor disturbance on Ormeau Road, Belfast this evening a 26 year old man was arrested and charged with two counts of assault on police and one count of disorderly behaviour.

"He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 26 April."