18/03/2004

Belfast St Patrick's Day event marred by trouble

Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations were marred yesterday following disturbances in the city centre.

In the lower Shankill area of the city a police officer was injured while trying to separate rival gangs.

West Belfast DUP MLA, Diane Dodds claimed those behind the trouble had attended an the open air St Patrick's Day concert outside Belfast City Hall earlier in the day.

"I can only say that if this is a reflection of the spirit of the people who attended the rally at the City Hall, then this would not be a warm and welcoming place for people from my community," she said.

However, Irene Sherry, Chairperson of the St Patrick's Carnival Committee, which was behind the concert, said there was no evidence to connect the people involved in the incidents with the event.

"The concert was a hugely successful event, which attracted thousands of people and their families to Belfast City Hall," she said.

"We condemn those involved in the incidents and want to make it clear that we don't want those involved in the incidents at any future events organised by the committee."

(MB)

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