15/11/2024

Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast

Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th.

Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December. A fourth man, aged 57, was released.

Superintendent Finola Dornan urged anyone with information to contact police.
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DCS Dornan said: "The right to protest, freedom of speech and assembly are fundamental human rights. They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, balanced against the rights and protection of others. What was experienced yesterday cannot be described as peaceful in nature. In order to manage risks to the public and to our officers, additional resources, including tactical support officers were required, significantly over and above the initial local police deployment.

"A number of our officers were injured and this is unacceptable and without justification. In spite of these challenges, every effort was made to facilitate those engaging in peaceful protest to continue to express their views.

"A full investigation into the disorder yesterday has been launched. We will review footage with a view to identifying any other offences have been committed. I would encourage anyone with any information which could assist Police to contact us on 101 and quote reference 890 of 14/11/24."

You can also report online here: www.psni.police.uk/report.

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