Warning Ahead Of Belsonic Final Night

Parents are being urged to have a word with teenagers who are heading off to the final night of Belsonic at Belfast's Ormeau Park tonight, Friday 28 June.

Dutch DJ Tiesto is set to close the show after six popular gigs and the PSNI are hoping the night goes off without a hitch.

It comes after three people were taken to hospital for medical treatment for minor injuries and the effects of alcohol ahead of a Ben Nicky headline night last Friday, 21 June. Translink were forced to stop two trains due to revellers who police said became "drunk and abusive".

Calling for calm this evening on the rail network, an officer for PSNI Antrim wrote on Facebook: "Folks please have a word with your teenagers if they are off to Belsonic tonight .

"We will be out and about in force over the next few nights to stop any anti social behaviour on the rail network.

"We do not want to see a repeat of these incidents tonight.

"Some of the youths were consuming large amounts of alcohol were putting themselves at greater risk of becoming victims of crime, including sexual assault.

"Be warned that those who disregard the law will end up with a criminal record. Being drunk in a public place can attract a court fine of up to £250, with the potential for a criminal record. Police can also issue a fixed penalty of £40 for being drunk in a public place and £80 for disorderly behaviour or behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace. We will also have our specialist drugs dogs on duty, who are incredibly effective at detecting even the smallest amounts of drugs," the officer added.

Coaches approaching the south Belfast venue will be monitored. Concert goers are reminded that drinking on buses is illegal and can pose a major safety risk if the driver becomes distracted.

The PSNI will also confiscate alcohol from anyone under the age of 18.



(JG)