DISSIDENT REPUBLICANS BLAMED OVER NORTH BELFAST DISTURBANCES

ONH PICDISSIDENT republicans are being blamed for disturbances outside a pub in north Belfasta at the weekend.

Police received reports of fighting and bottles being thrown at cars, are being investigated by police.

The PSNI said that shortly before 5.30 pm on Saturday, officers received reports of a crowd – estimated by locals to have been up to 200 strong – heading up the Deerpark Road towards Oldpark Road.

Ten minutes later, there were reports of men running into The Hedgehog and Bucket bar on the Oldpark Road and shouting sectarian slogans.

It is understood Linfield fans had gone into the bar after their 2-2 draw with Cliftonville at Solitude.

There were also reports of fighting.

Locals blamed the trouble on dissident republicans and their supporters who were spoiling for trouble with Linfield supporters in their area.

PSNI Inspector Jocelyn Wise said: “Police attended the bar approximately seven minutes after the report was received. By this time, calm had been restored and the crowd had left the area.

“There were no reports of any injuries, though a car wing mirror was damaged as a result.

“Anyone who is involved in this type of behaviour should be aware of the effects that it has on local residents.

“They should also know that there is the very real prospect of being arrested and charged if they are involved in this kind of anti-social activity.”

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