Ireland

Man arrested after taking another man hostage in Belfast hotel

Suspect (31) used what was thought to be a gun to carry out incident before being detained

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland. EPA/PAUL MCERLANE
PSNI Chief Insp Prendergast said: 'Response officers were on the scene within five minutes ... Specially trained officers arrived shortly afterwards and the hostage was released just after 7.00pm.' Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA
Sun May 07 2023 - 21:46

A man has been arrested after threatening staff and guests at a Belfast hotel with what was believed to be a gun.

The man (31) entered the hotel on Ormeau Avenue in the city on Sunday evening and took a man hostage.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Insp Prendergast said: “Response officers were on the scene within five minutes ... Specially trained officers arrived shortly afterwards and the hostage was released just after 7.00pm.”

The PSNI “confirmed that item was not a firearm”.

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The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was detained by police. He was arrested on several offences and remained in police custody on Sunday night.

No one was injured in the incident.