Derry Boys to look at reports of attack

The governor of the Apprentice Boys has said he was investigating claims, supported by the RUC, that disturbances during last…

The governor of the Apprentice Boys has said he was investigating claims, supported by the RUC, that disturbances during last Saturday's parade in Derry were sparked off by a loyalist band.

Mr Alistair Simpson said that if the claims were substantiated, internal disciplinary action would be taken. An RUC spokesman said sporadic violence in the Diamond area started just after 2 p.m. when "a group of bandsmen from one particular band" broke away from the main parade.

"They went over to Butcher Street where they attacked a group of onlookers and police quickly intervened and managed to restore order. For the remainder of the afternoon stones and bottles were exchanged by both groups. Certainly it was people from one band who attacked onlookers," he said.