18/08/2025
Police Investigation After Belfast City Centre Protest
Police attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast city centre on Sunday, 17 August.
Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit.
During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time. Police are now reviewing evidence gathered in order to establish whether any offences have been committed by several individuals who were identified as being suspected of possessing articles indicating support for a proscribed organisation. While present, police also received a report of an assault involving a protestor and a member of the public, which is also subject to ongoing enquiries.
Superintendent Hagan stated that while the right to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights, he encouraged anyone engaging in protest activity to do so "lawfully and with consideration for other members of the public who wish to go about their daily business." He confirmed that a full investigation has been launched.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the reported assault or who may have footage that could assist the investigation to contact them on 101 and quote reference 776 of 17/08/25.
Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit.
Superintendent Hagan stated that while the right to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights, he encouraged anyone engaging in protest activity to do so "lawfully and with consideration for other members of the public who wish to go about their daily business." He confirmed that a full investigation has been launched.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the reported assault or who may have footage that could assist the investigation to contact them on 101 and quote reference 776 of 17/08/25.
Latest Northern Ireland News
18 August 2025
Man Dies After Fatal Ballyclare Hit-And-Run
A man in his 50s has died following a one-vehicle hit-and-run road traffic collision on the Ballyeaston Road area of Ballyclare on Friday, 15 August 2025. Shortly before 10:35pm, a man and a woman were struck by a car that failed to stop at the scene.
Man Dies After Fatal Ballyclare Hit-And-Run
A man in his 50s has died following a one-vehicle hit-and-run road traffic collision on the Ballyeaston Road area of Ballyclare on Friday, 15 August 2025. Shortly before 10:35pm, a man and a woman were struck by a car that failed to stop at the scene.
18 August 2025
Cross-Party Support For Medical Aid For Palestinian Children
There is growing cross-party political support for a humanitarian initiative to bring injured children from Gaza to Northern Ireland to receive urgent medical treatment. The move was welcomed in separate statements from the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin, with the latter confirming the Northern Executive has agreed to participate.
Cross-Party Support For Medical Aid For Palestinian Children
There is growing cross-party political support for a humanitarian initiative to bring injured children from Gaza to Northern Ireland to receive urgent medical treatment. The move was welcomed in separate statements from the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin, with the latter confirming the Northern Executive has agreed to participate.
18 August 2025
Bank of Ireland Warns of Rise in Investment Scams
The Bank of Ireland has urged consumers to "stay alert to scammers" who are seeking to lure savings into fake investment pots. The bank has reported a rise in fraudulent ads for trading and investment products, from cryptocurrency to more traditional bonds, being presented to consumers on a daily basis.
Bank of Ireland Warns of Rise in Investment Scams
The Bank of Ireland has urged consumers to "stay alert to scammers" who are seeking to lure savings into fake investment pots. The bank has reported a rise in fraudulent ads for trading and investment products, from cryptocurrency to more traditional bonds, being presented to consumers on a daily basis.
18 August 2025
Investment Boost For NI Engineering And Manufacturing Firms
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four companies in Newry and South Armagh are investing almost £2 million to create new jobs and boost exports.
Investment Boost For NI Engineering And Manufacturing Firms
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four companies in Newry and South Armagh are investing almost £2 million to create new jobs and boost exports.
18 August 2025
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
18 August 2025
Police Investigation After Belfast City Centre Protest
Police attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast city centre on Sunday, 17 August. Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit. During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time.
Police Investigation After Belfast City Centre Protest
Police attended a planned protest in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast city centre on Sunday, 17 August. Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, and were assisted by the Air Support Unit. During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time.
18 August 2025
The Role Of Gaelic Games In Strengthening Community Identity
Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic football and hurling, have long been cornerstones of cultural life in Northern Ireland. Deeply rooted in tradition and national pride, these sports go far beyond athletic competition—they reflect a shared sense of heritage and identity that transcends generations.
The Role Of Gaelic Games In Strengthening Community Identity
Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic football and hurling, have long been cornerstones of cultural life in Northern Ireland. Deeply rooted in tradition and national pride, these sports go far beyond athletic competition—they reflect a shared sense of heritage and identity that transcends generations.
18 August 2025
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Serious Assault In East Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August. At approximately 12.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Serious Assault In East Belfast The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August. At approximately 12.
15 August 2025
NI Students Celebrate Top A-level Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students across Northern Ireland after they received their BTEC, AS, and A level examination results. The results showed that around a third of A level students were awarded the highest grades of A* to A, with Northern Ireland retaining its position as the top-performing region in the United Kingdom.
NI Students Celebrate Top A-level Results
Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated students across Northern Ireland after they received their BTEC, AS, and A level examination results. The results showed that around a third of A level students were awarded the highest grades of A* to A, with Northern Ireland retaining its position as the top-performing region in the United Kingdom.
15 August 2025
Mela Carnival Parade To Cause Belfast Traffic Delays
Motorists are being advised of significant traffic disruption in Belfast city centre on Saturday, 16 August, due to the Mela Carnival parade and other road closures.
Mela Carnival Parade To Cause Belfast Traffic Delays
Motorists are being advised of significant traffic disruption in Belfast city centre on Saturday, 16 August, due to the Mela Carnival parade and other road closures.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.