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The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said he expects the criminal investigation into the unlawful blocking of Garvaghy Road to begin next week.
On Wednesday, the PSNI chief constable said there would be an investigation after protesters blocked the mainly nationalist road to prevent an Orange Order parade from happening.
Protesters remain on Garvaghy Road and the Orange Order has maintained a presence at Drumcree church after talks to end the parading dispute ended without agreement.
Gavin Robinson said there had to be "consequences" for "people who are law makers who are acting as law breakers".
First Minister Michelle O'Neill was among those who attended the protest. She has said she understands the law, but chose to "stand in solidarity" with residents.
Robinson said he expected the investigation to begin next week "but it needs the space to see it conclude as well".
The fallout over the proposed Orange Order march - which is opposed by residents of the Garvaghy Road - has lasted since Sunday morning.
A fresh legal bid by the residents to prevent the march was due to be heard on Friday - but has now been postponed until Monday.
Orangemen and Garvaghy Road residents met Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday night but did not break their deadlock.
Speaking after Thursday night's talks, Sir Chris told reporters: "I think this is the end of these conversations.
"We haven't come to a settled agreement and it's a shame but my door remains open."
Breándan Mac Cionnaith, the chairman of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition, said there had been no "meeting of minds".
Nigel Dawson, the Orange Order's Portadown district master, said it "remains as it has been".
