Minor trouble at loyalist march

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A loyalist band parade in a County Antrim village has ended without major incident.

More than 40 bands marched through the centre of Rasharkin where they were met by a crowd of several hundred protesters blowing whistles and horns.

Some golf balls were thrown as the last of the bands passed through the village.

A large police presence remained in the area throughout the parade which ended about 2150 BST.

Serious tensions

The Parades Commission had appealed for calm ahead of the parade.

Its chair said it was clear there were serious tensions in the area.

The commission had ruled that no paramilitary displays or emblems were to be included in the march.

It also limited the number on protest to 130, including marshals.

There have been sectarian tensions in the Rasharkin over recent months.

Sinn Fein argued that the march should not have been permitted in light of the current problems.

The DUP said the bands had a right to parade.