Parade security cost over £300k

There were an estimated 30,000 people at the parade

Security surrounding the homecoming parade for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in Belfast cost more than £300,000, it has emerged.

There had been fears of violence ahead of the event on Sunday, however, trouble was minimal.

The Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde said police worked with community leaders to ensure tensions "did not boil over".

Sir Hugh was speaking at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.

The PSNI estimated that there were around 30,000 people at the parade, either supporting or protesting against it.

"From a policing perspective it was a massive effort," said Sir Hugh.

"Obviously the Parades Commission made determinations, which I think is in terms of best practice, a good way of dealing with these issues, where you have competing rights.

'Equal praise'

"Huge effort by senior police officers and junior police officers before the event to network, communicate and discuss with many key community players, who actually deserve equal praise on this, led to an awful lot of agreement and mutual understanding."

About 250 members of the armed forces took part in the homecoming parade, including soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment, Irish Guards, Royal Dragoon Guards and the Territorial Army.

A number of protest events, including one organised by Sinn Féin, were also held in different parts of the city.