Two arrested after Halloween attacks on police in Belfast’s Holylands

Two men were arrested following Halloween disorder in Belfast’s Holylands, where bottles were thrown at police and vehicles were attacked on Saturday 31 October. An officer suffered a cut requiring medical attention, while a nearby off licence had a window smashed, Belfast Telegraph reports.

The PSNI said the trouble in the Agincourt Avenue area began at about 7.40pm, when officers patrolling in a vehicle were targeted with glass bottles.

District Commander Superintendent Gavin Kirkpatrick said one man repeatedly kicked a police car, damaging it. More bottles were thrown before Tactical Support Group officers arrived and arrested him.

Police said the man then kicked and hit officers. He was arrested on suspicion of four counts of assault on police, three counts of criminal damage, riotous behaviour and obstructing police. Others in the group subsequently attacked the armoured police vehicle.

A second man was identified by police evidence-gathering teams. Superintendent Kirkpatrick said he assaulted an officer when police returned to speak to him, leaving the officer with a cut to his forearm that needed medical attention.

That man was arrested on suspicion of offences including assault on police and riotous behaviour. Both men remained in custody at the time of the police statement.

Footage under review

Videos shared online appear to show people wearing Halloween costumes attacking a police vehicle. One person appears to headbutt its window.

Police are also examining CCTV after an off licence closed because of gathering crowds. Superintendent Kirkpatrick said a man who was refused entry broke a window and left.

The PSNI’s Public Order Enquiry Team will examine footage to identify those involved. Anyone with photographs or video of the disorder has been asked to contact police, quoting reference 1512 of 31/10/26.

Source: Belfast Telegraph