Assault takes place during Twelfth parade

The 'MAIL' spoke to an eyewitness who told of his shock when Orangemen from Portadown broke ranks to wade into a crowd of spectators which included women and children.

The incident happened at Gilford Road at around 4pm on Monday when brethren and bandsmen from outside the district returned to their buses.

According to the eyewitness, he observed three members of a Portadown lodge arguing with spectators as the parade neared the junction of Gilford Road and Lower Toberhewney Lane.

He told the 'MAIL': "Things kicked off and about a dozen of them broke rank and waded into the crowd of spectators.

"There were women and children in prams there. Everything happened very quickly.

"I don't think there were any serious injuries, but everyone who was watching was just in shock at what had happened."

He added: "It was a shame because it spoiled a wonderful day. The men who did this should be ashamed of themselves."

Police had no record of the assault on Monday at the Gilford Road.

The Twelfth celebrations in Lurgan were the biggest outside Belfast and saw 11 districts gather in the town for the first time in 12 years.