Police called to Belfast International ‘altercation’

Police have had to respond to a fight between two groups of passengers at Belfast International Airport on Saturday evening.

One witness, who posted a short video of the incident on social media, described what happened as “absolute mayhem”.

The disorder broke out in the departures area of the airport.

Another video, lasting for four minutes, appeared to show a number of men brandishing poles and hurling things at each other.

At one point, metal shopping baskets from a retail unit and a fire extinguisher were thrown, while other passengers looked on. No one appeared to intervene.

Reports on social media suggested the incident had lasted for up to 20 minutes without intervention – however, the airport has denied that.

In a statement, a Belfast International spokesperson said: “The incident involving two groups of passengers on Saturday evening was unsettling for both passengers and staff alike.

“The incident, in its entirety, lasted seven minutes with police arriving on scene within three minutes.

“The rapid intervention of police was not captured in the videos posted on social media.

“Airport police, PSNI and staff are to be commended for their professionalism in dealing with this incident in such a swift manner.

“A police investigation into this incident is continuing.”