“The police cannot be scapegoated for political failure or inadequacies,” said the chair of the Police Federation following the Drumcree standoff.

Mr Liam Kelly said PSNI officers showed ‘incredible restraint and professionalism’.

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Public safety would have been jeopardised and people seriously hurt if the PSNI ...

PSNI Land Rovers lined up and waiting in a side street off the Garvaghy Road in Portadown as protesters filled the road. They were protesting at the Parades Commission determination to permit Portadown Orange District to march through the Garvaghy Road.

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PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I’m unbelievably proud of my officers who, supported by mutual aid colleagues, are managing an exceptionally challenging situation.

“The policing operation thus far has helped ensure there has been no violence or disorder.

“We have an evidence gathering operation in place to detect any offences and will continue to do this throughout today.

“I appeal to everyone to remain calm and peaceful. I am immensely grateful for all those voices who have already called for calm.

“I would urge those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law and work with the police to keep everyone safe.

“Police are engaging and working with all parties and will continue to do so.

“It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.”

Mr Kelly said the decision-making by the PSNI and ‘incredible restraint and professionalism’ of officers averted widespread violence and disorder in Portadown.

At the heart of any debate over lawful and unlawful protests is the need to prevent violence and injury. Police negotiators on Garvaghy Road did all they could to seek a peaceful way through for both residents and the Orange Order.

“There are conflicting and angry political statements about what happened and how the PSNI managed a near-impossible situation. The actions of the Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and his senior colleagues were exemplary and certainly beyond reproach.

“Our officers showed incredible restraint and professionalism. The bottom line is no one was hurt. There was no rioting. Thankfully, no officers or protesters or Orange Order members sustained injury. That is success in my book. From a policing perspective, it was a job well done.

“The police cannot be scapegoated for political failure or inadequacies by others in the lead-up to Sunday’s fiasco. Instead of pointing the finger at Mr Boutcher and my rank-and-file members, those who seek to lay blame at our doorstep ought to consider what brought our community to this point, dial down the rhetoric and instead forge a new path that delivers respect and accommodation.”