Five people have been arrested in the Holyland area of south Belfast following reports of a number of incidents.
Police responded to reports of young people gathering in a residential area, playing music loudly and drinking in the street.
An 18-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with disorderly behaviour.
Four other men, aged, 21, 25, 28 and 35, were also arrested after police signalled a car that was being driven erratically to stop. They have since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.
Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said as officers attended a number of addresses to provide advice and guidance around potential breaches of COVID-19 health regulations, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. He has subsequently been charged with disorderly behaviour to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on October 6.
The four men aged, 21, 25, 28 and 35 year of age, have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including driving while unfit, taking and driving away, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage, obstructing and resisting police.
“We have already warned young people that while we do not want to see anyone gaining a criminal record, that’s the very real prospect for the five people arrested in the early hours of this morning,” said Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick.
“Police will continue to respond to every report and every incident in a proportionate manner. That can mean issuing a penalty notice, a community restorative notice, or in the case of the behaviour of some students, referrals to their educational establishment, and this could have a significant impact on their educational career.”
“Our message is very clear. All students or anyone visiting the Holyland area must follow the latest COVID-19 health and safety advice and specific guidance regarding houses of multiple occupancy provided by the universities.
“Students living off campus must be mindful of the importance of building good relationships with local residents. They must be respectful of their neighbours who do not want to kept awake all night with parties and do not want to have their property damaged,” he added.