IN a statement issued late on Thursday night, Odyssey Arena General Manager Adrian Doyle said:

“We are aware that a major incident has been declared by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service outside the Odyssey Complex.

“It is our understanding that a number of patrons arriving at the Odyssey Arena to attend a concert by Dutch DJ act ‘Hardwell’ have required medical attention, having arrived intoxicated at the Odyssey Complex.

“These patrons were not granted entry to the Odyssey Arena, and were treated by the Ambulance Service outside. Seven patients have now been transferred to hospital by ambulance.

“The ‘Hardwell’ concert is continuing as normal inside the Odyssey Arena. As with any concert, the safety of our patrons is our absolute priority at all times and we are veryconfident that we have sufficient staff on site to maintain a safe and enjoyable concert.”