Teenager hurt in Belfast disturbance

Two people were arrested following clashes in the centre of Belfast tonight after a day of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

A teenager was taken to hospital with facial injuries after violence involving around 30 people in rival groups battled it out with hurleys and sticks close to St Anne’s Cathedral in Donegall Street.

His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

A 16-year-old youth and a 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and possession of offensive weapons, said a police spokeswoman.

She said the clash was not believed to have a sectarian motive and calm had been restored.

The trouble was only a short distance from where up to 5,000 people attended a free open-air concert following the St Patrick’s Day carnival parade through Belfast city centre.