PSNI 'reviewing behaviour of number of individuals' over Belfast Pride preacher comments

Police are "reviewing the actions and behaviours of a number of individuals" after reports that a street preacher at the centre of a hate crime investigation was spat at and a Bible was ripped up in front of him.

It comes following an incident in Belfast at the weekend involving a man using a microphone to make remarks about members of the LGBTQ+ community during the Pride parade through the city centre.

The BBC reported someone approached the preacher and ripped up a Bible in front of him and also that, separately, he was spat at.

In a statement, the PSNI said: "Police can confirm that as part of the investigation, we are reviewing the actions and behaviours of a number of individuals."The alleged hate crime incident ahead of Saturday's Belfast Pride parade was captured on video and police said they were aware of the footage on social media.

PSNI Superintendent Christian Bradley said officers attended the scene on Royal Avenue and gathered evidence using their body-worn video.

Mr Bradley said: "Police are aware of a video circulating on social media showing a male using a public address system in the Royal Avenue area of the city on Saturday July 29 prior to the Belfast Pride Parade.

"Officers were present at the scene and gathered evidence on body-worn video.

"This footage is being reviewed by investigators. The incident is being treated as a hate crime."

Thousands of people took to the streets of Belfast as the city's largest ever Pride parade took place on Saturday.

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