A 35-YEAR-OLD MAN, arrested yesterday in connection with an incident in which a PSNI officer was knocked unconscious, has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the incident.

He’s due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow.

The confrontation happened in the aftermath of a march to mark one year since the start the campaign protesting the decision to limit the number of days the union flag is flown above Belfast City Hall.

The parade itself passed off peacefully. The confrontation happened in its aftermath, as police blocked demonstrators at the junction of Tennant Street and Crumlin Road. The man was arrested after the incident involving the police officer.

Turnout for yesterday’s march was far lower than had been expected by the organisers. The group ‘Loyalist Peaceful Protesters’ had applied to the Parades Commission for a march of up to 10,000 people, including some 40 bands. Around 1,000 people showed up.

Belfast City Council voted on 3 December last to limit the number of days the union flag was flown at City Hall, leading to several months of protests and demonstrations — some of which turned violent.

Read: ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea’: Adams against proposal to end Troubles prosecutions

Also: Taoiseach: Proposal to end Troubles prosecutions ‘would be difficult for families’