Almost 50 fines issued at St Patrick's Day parties and a police car chase in south Belfast

By Q Radio News

Almost 50 £200 fines have been issued at St Patrick’s Day house parties in the Holyland area of south Belfast.

Police attended 9 properties overnight and handed out 47 Covid 4 notices and 8 Covid 2 notices. 

Two people are being referred to the Public Prosecution Service. 

A total of 135 enforcement notices were issued across Northern Ireland yesterday and into the early hours of this morning. 

“At various locations across Northern Ireland, police and partner agencies attended reports of groups of people gathering up, incidents anti-social behaviour and have seized multiple items of alcohol from young people and people drinking in public spaces,” A PSNI spokesperson said. 

Breaking: Police have cleared crowds that had gathered in Botanic Gardens in Belfast. Officers formed a line and walked across the park, moving those gathered towards the exit. An announcement was made the park was being closed to ensure adherence to coronavirus regulations. pic.twitter.com/v0KCwx0e0B

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 17, 2021

Four people were arrested following a car chase which began in south Belfast at around 2.30am. 

Officers pursued a vehicle that was being driven erratically and failed to stop. 

A stinger device was deployed on the M1 near Sprucefield before the suspects tried to flee. 

“The vehicle was pursued by specialist officers to the M1 Motorway, where they called off the pursuit and liaised with officers in Lisburn and Castlereagh,” a PSNI spokesperson said. 

“Officers deployed a stinger device at Sprucefield, which helped to bring the car to a controlled stop. 

“While the four occupants made off from the vehicle, they were located a short distance away and were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. 

“They remain in custody and our enquiries are ongoing.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd has thanked the vast majority of people who stayed at home to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. 

“We had a comprehensive policing operation in place yesterday to help ensure that this St Patrick’s Day was peaceful and safe,” he said. 

“Whilst we did note large numbers in some parks and beauty spots, officers implemented our four Es strategy, Engage, Explain, Encourage, and lastly Enforce, and encouraged people to return home where necessary, including a number of groups in Botanic Gardens in Belfast .

“In the Holyland area of South Belfast, up to just after 2am this morning, officers attended nine residential properties, issuing 47 Covid 4 notices (£200 fines) and eight Covid 2 notices. Two other people will be reported to the public prosecution service.

ACC Todd added: “By working with our partner agencies, and in liaison with local communities, we were able to mark and celebrate the cultural significance of St Patrick’s Day in a way that helps keep communities safe and supports efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”

“As we move forward with some restrictions easing, more young people returning to school and the vaccination programme continuing, we still need everyone to work together and adhere to the Health Regulations so we can continue to keep people safe and protect our communities during these continuingly difficult times.”