PSNI: 'Twelfth a peaceful day'

The Assistant Chief Constable of the PSNI has praised community leaders, organisers and his officers after the twelfth of July passed off without major incident.

There were just eight arrests over the twelfth period according to figures.

A security alert on the Moss Road in Londonderry was declared a hoax and there was another bomb scare on the Springfield Road with a device taken away for further examination.

But overall, Mark Hamilton said the force is pleased with the lack of disorder:

"I would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work of the organisers of events, community leaders, our partners and my officers and staff, who helped make this a safe and enjoyable day for many.

"We dealt with a number of minor incidents throughout the day and made a number of arrests but these did not detract from what was a peaceful day.

"We are aware of some alleged breaches of parade determinations and these will be investigated accordingly.

"We will be continuing our duties throughout the night and weekend to keep communities safe."

The days leading up to the twelfth period saw a tense stand off between Belfast city councillors and the community in east Belfast.

Councillolrs voted to remove materials from a contentious bonfire at Avoniel Leisure Centre but locals insisted it was going nowhere.

On Wednesday police warned sending in contractors and officers, could lead to serious disorder and gun violence from the UVF.

Contractors names were leaked prompting paramilitary threats and there were calls for the source of the leak to be investigated.

But at the last minute plans to remove the materials were abandoned, resulting in the bonfire going ahead on the 11th night without incident.

There were incidents on the Springfield Road, Belfast and Lisburn on the 11th night but the fire service hailed it the quietest bonfire night in years.