Five PSNI officers assaulted during mass brawl at nightclub
Five officers were injured when a mass fight inside a south Belfast nightclub spilled out onto the street.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said around 50 people were involved in the disturbance in the early hours of Sunday morning (December 1).
Two men have since been charged and are due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on December 23.
One man, aged 44, was charged with four counts of assault on police, disorderly behaviour and resisting police. A 23-year-old man was charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug, disorderly behaviour and resisting police.
The PSNI said: “Shortly after 2am a report was received from a nightclub that a fight had broken out within the premises.
“Those involved had been removed from the club by security prior to police arrival, however, the fight was continuing out on the street.
“It was estimated that approximately 50 people were involved in the melee, which escalated to assaults on police with five officers sustaining injuries as a result.
“The disturbance continued for a sustained period before calm was restored.
“Two men were arrested and remain in police custody at present. A number of Community Resolution notices were also issued.”
Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton is urging anyone who may have filmed the disturbance, or who witnessed it, to get in touch with police.
“I would like anyone who captured mobile phone or dashcam footage in Bradbury place between 2am and 3am to please share it with us,” she said.
“Public disorder such as that which occurred last night is not what we want to see on our city’s streets.
“We want Belfast to be a safe and enjoyable destination for a night out for bar and night club patrons and it should be said that this disturbance is not typical of our night-time economy.”
The PSNI said as is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.