The Ulster Herald

Union flag protesters make their way through Omagh town centre on Thursday night.

A 40-year-old man was arrested during Thursday night’s ‘Union flag’ protest in Omagh on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, obstructing and resisting police.

Police said there were no incidents of violence and only one minor incident of criminal damage was reported.
The protest, in reaction to the decision by Belfast City Council to only fly the Union flag at City Hall on designated days was arranged to take place in the Campsie area of the town on Thursday night.

Police confirmed however that the group of approximately 70 protesters then made an ‘illegal’ march through the town centre area.
As a result roads were reported to be blocked off with motorists being diverted by police.

A police spokesman, however, said no significant incidents or disruption occurred.

He said, “Police dealt with a flags protest in the Campsie and town centre areas of Omagh between around 7.40pm and 10.30pm on Thursday evening.
“Approximately 70 people walked through areas of the town and were warned by police that the parade was illegal and those taking part would be liable to prosecution.

“There were no incidents of violence and only one minor incident of criminal damage has been reported to police.

“At 10.30pm, a 40-year-old man was arrested at Market Street on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, obstructing and resisting police. He was charged to appear at Omagh Magistrates’ Court on December 18. A number of others were cautioned for various minor public order offences.”

An investigation has commenced in relation to other offences.