A flute band at the centre of an incident in which a bin was hurled at them thought a bomb had been thrown into their ranks, it is claimed.
The Bangor Protestant Boys had “genuine” concerns that an “explosive device” had been thrown in their direction, according to statement issued on their behalf by Jamie Bryson.
The statement described the incident as an “unprovoked sectarian attack”, Belfast Live reports.
Read More: Man arrested after bin is thrown at loyalist marching band in Belfast
The statement read: “In the split second following this unprovoked and entirely unexpected sectarian attack, there were genuine and legitimate concerns amongst band members that an explosive device had been thrown into the ranks.
“In this context, the band showed remarkable restraint and thankfully calm was quickly restored to the situation. In the confusion following the attack on the band, regrettably an item smashed the window of the general property from which the aggressor came.”
The statement acknowledged the fact the property is split into a number of flats and that the window smashed was in a flat unconnected to the incident.
It added: “The band will pay for all damage to the innocent person’s window and express apologies to this individual.”
Video footage of the incident has been widely circulated on social media and via WhatsApp today. It shows a man throwing what appears to be a recycling caddy towards the bandsmen.
Immediately after a number of bandsmen swarm around the property as the man goes back inside the property. Two police officers quickly arrive on the scene as do several men in collarettes and appear to usher the bandsmen away from the property.
In the few seconds that the bandsmen are in the area at the front of the property a wheelie bin is lifted and smashes a window.
The incident happened earlier today in the Agincourt Avenue area of the Holyland in South Belfast.
The PSNI said it was aware of footage of an incident circulating on social media.
A 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including assault and disorderly behaviour has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Subsequent video footage showed PSNI officers removing a wheelie bin from the scene.
The PSNI said there were eight arrests in total yesterday across Northern Ireland's Twelfth events.
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