Holyland: Two arrested over south Belfast street party

Two men have been arrested in connection with a large gathering in the Holyland area of south Belfast.

Officers were called to Agincourt Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday over reports of a large party.

Police said officers were verbally abused and had bottles thrown at them and a man, 18, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.

Both men have since been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Police also issued six COV4 and three COV2 tickets at a separate house party in the area.

COV4 notices carry a minimum fine of £200 which replaced the previous £60 penalty notice from 12 November.

A prohibition notice on commercial premises or private gatherings is issued in the form of a COV2 ticket, with police describing it as a warning against continuing to breach regulations.

SDLP MP for South Belfast Claire Hanna described the street party as "absolute madness" and "pig ignorant" in a tweet.

There have been several instances of gatherings in the Holyland area during the pandemic that have been against the Covid-19 regulations.