Police Attacked After Big Christmas Switch-On

Belfast's Lord Mayor is angry over trouble that last night marred the traditional big 'switch-on' of Belfast Christmas tree lights.

Trouble broke out in the city centre following the high profile switching-on, leaving two police officers injured during two separate incidents on Tuesday evening.

Trouble first erupted in Castle Street just as many families with children were leaving after the event. A number of arrests were made.

Later, four youths were also arrested during a disturbance involving a large group near Carlisle Circus.

A police spokesman said officers were hurt while making an arrest in Castle Street at about 8.30pm when a hostile crowd surrounded them.

A short time later, the spokesperson said, police were attacked by a number of people in Castle Junction. Bottles and other missiles were thrown and damage was caused to one police vehicle.

The city's Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said he was "angry and disappointed" by what happened in the city.

"I would condemn the drunken thugs who were involved," Mr Rodgers said.

"It was rather sad that some people suffered through this and had to run to get away from the incident."

However, he did later put the trouble into context - given the very large numbers attending.

It was in fact a bumper crowd of 18,000 people that attended the Christmas lights switch on – the largest crowd to attend the event since President Bill Clinton did the honours in 1995.

Jim Rodgers commented: “In previous years, with the exception of President Clinton’s appearance, the attendance has been between 10-15,000, so last night’s attendance proves we got it right - and our star turns of Shane Ward and Zöe Salmon were terrific."

Turning to the trouble again, he said: “The vast majority of people had a fantastic, fun-filled evening and refused to have it ruined by a small number of trouble makers.

"It is important to point out that while there were a few isolated incidents in the city centre, they were not actually at the location of the event itself.

“The fact that the industry average for such events reckons that one person per thousand will be treated for injuries and St John’s Ambulance treated just four from a crowd of 18,000, one per 4,500, speaks for itself.”

“Clearly, there are always lessons to be learned in the planning and delivery of such events and we will work with all our partners to ensure that happens.

“However, I want to thank the people of Belfast, the PSNI, the stewards, St John’s Ambulance and all our Belfast City Council staff for putting on a spectacular, successful show and hope it is the beginning of a happy and successful Christmas for everyone who lives, visits and works in our great city.”

(BMcC)