Dungannon street fight latest from PSNI as investigation ongoing

A video of the incident has circulated on social media

Police have issued an update following a reported street fight involving armed men in Dungannon this week.

A video of the incident which is believed to have taken place at around 4.45pm on Thursday, August 14, has been widely circulated on social media and shows a group of men fighting in the Irish Street/Shambles Lane area of the Co Tyrone town.

Two of the men who were involved in the altercation were believed to have been armed with weapons.

After receiving reports of the alleged street fight, police arrived at the scene, including armed response officers, however nothing was ongoing.

Police have said that since then they have not received reports of any serious injuries but their investigation remains ongoing.

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Chief Inspector Brown said: “It was reported at around 4:45pm that a number of men, two of whom were believed to have weapons, were fighting. “Local policing officers were immediately dispatched to the scene alongside Armed Response colleagues. “On arrival, nothing was ongoing; however we commenced enquiries in the surrounding area.” Chief Inspector Brown went on: “At this time, there have been no reports of any serious injuries, but our investigation continues. “I want to reassure the local community that we are aware of their concern around this incident. 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. “We are still appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the altercation, or who may have information including dashcam, CCTV or any other footage to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1190 14/08/25. “Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

Sinn Fein Councillors Deirdre Versani and Dominic Molloy condemned the ‘disgraceful’ incident and urged those involved to ‘wise up’. In a statement shared on social media they said: “We are aware of the totally unacceptable affray that took place in Shambles Lane on Wednesday afternoon.

“It was disgraceful, dangerous, and disrespectful to all across our town and area who are simply trying to do their best for their families. Part of that is being safe to go about their daily lives without 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. Wise up.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong expressed concern over the rise in violent and anti-social behaviour on Irish Street in Dungannon.

Speaking after police confirmed they were investigating reports that multiple men were involved in a broad daylight fight, the Ulster Unionist representative 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.”

Ms Armstrong continued, “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.”

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