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Civil Disorder: Belfast

Volume 470: debated on Monday 7 January 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons were (a) arrested for and (b) charged with riotous behaviour arising from civil disturbances in Belfast city centre on the evening of 20 November. (170485)

PSNI has advised that no persons were arrested or charged with riotous behaviour during the disorder in Belfast City Centre on 20 November 2007. However, three persons were arrested for other public order related offences arising from this incident. One person was released without charge and the two others were released pending report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The incident involved crowds of youths, aged on average between 12 and 16 years, both male and female. The number of youths and children attending the event was significantly larger than in any previous year. This may have contributed to the cause of this incident, which was dealt with quickly and effectively by the police.