‘Zero tolerance’ from universities if students are reported for anti-social behaviour in the Holylands

Young people are being warned by police and their universities to not engage in anti-social behaviour in the Holylands.

The area is notorious for sporadic drinking and partying on St Patrick’s Day.

Meanwhile, police have had to deploy police patrols to the Ardoyne shopfronts today (Sunday) to deal with a group of 10-12 year olds who were gathering with flags.

Police are also being deployed into the various parks across North Belfast including Bone Hills, Girdwood and Waterworks.

Ulster University, Queen’s and St Mary’s College Student Union have stated that there will be a zero tolerance policy for students reported for anti-social behaviour by either the PSNI, the Belfast City Council wardens or staff at Queen’s University.

A social media message from St Mary’s reads: We seek your support in ensuring that our students at St Mary’s University College do not cause any problems in the Holylands area of Belfast over the St Patrick’s weekend.

Our strong advice is that you keep away from the area completely.

Unfortunately, we have to inform you that there will be a zero tolerance policy at St Mary’s for any student reported for anti-social behaviour by either the PSNI, the Belfast City Council wardens or staff at Queen’s University. That zero tolerance policy refers to the College’s Code of Discipline.

We trust you have a very enjoyable and safe celebration of St Patrick’s Day but please stay away from the Holylands area of Belfast.

The PSNI says it has budgeted around £100,000 for its policing operation relating to St Patrick’s week in central Belfast and the Holylands area.