Concerns have been raised about repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour in a Co Tyrone town after knives were brandished during a fight involving a number of men.
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of the altercation in the Irish Street/Shambles Lane area of Dungannon on Thursday.
Knives were produced in the incident by two men, which was reported at around 4.45pm and footage of which has circulated on social media.
The same area within Dungannon town centre has seen previous incidents of assault involving multiple men and weapons being used.
An incident circulated on social media in 2016 showing a group of men taking part in a vicious assault close to a number of popular bars in the Irish Street area, near Shambles Lane.
Then in 2023, it was reported a gang of up to 30 men armed with knives had attacked a man in the Sloan Street area of the town, with the victim laying unconscious at around 3am before being brought to hospital.
Diana Armstrong, UUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, has said her office has been contacted about a “worrying increase” of violent attacks.
Ms Armstrong said: “It is deeply troubling that such violence occurred in the centre of our town during daylight hours. This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and no one should have to witness it.
“I am aware that disturbing footage of the incident is circulating online, and I would urge the public to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. We need to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“My office has seen a worrying increase in reports of anti-social and violent incidents in the Irish Street area, and these serious concerns must be addressed urgently by police.
“Initiatives such as improved CCTV and knife-disposal bins could help tackle this issue, and I will be working closely with representatives on Mid Ulster District Council and the PCSP to campaign for greater preventative measures against violent crime in Dungannon.”
A statement from Sinn Féin councillor Dee Varsani described those involved in the incident as “feral and dangerous”.
“We are aware of the totally unacceptable affray that took place in Shambles Lane.
“It was disgraceful, dangerous and disrespectful to all across our town and area who are simply trying to do their best for their families and part of that is being safe to go about their daily lives not having to worry about feral and dangerous behaviour from anyone.
“We are speaking to leaders and community policing teams. Arrests are happening; but not having such incidents is what needs to happen for everyone’s sake.”
The PSNI has said it will increase patrols in the area in response to the most recent incident.
“I want to reassure the local community that we are aware of their concern around this incident,” a police spokesperson said.
“We are committed to supporting the needs of every resident of our diverse town and will robustly review and deal with any offences reported to us.
“Additional officers will be on patrol in the town centre over the weekend in order to ensure that the law is upheld.”