Belfast’s Big Fish damaged in overnight attack as police make arrest

Sunday 20 September 2026

One of Belfast’s best-known landmarks has been significantly damaged in an overnight incident, with police arresting a 44-year-old man nearby.

Police were called to the Big Fish sculpture at Donegall Quay after receiving a report at around 12.30am on Sunday that someone had been seen causing damage to the landmark.

Significant damage to sculpture

Sergeant Kelly said officers attended the scene and found that “significant damage” had been caused to the left eye of the sculpture.

“A 44-year-old man was subsequently located nearby and arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

“He remains in police custody at this time.”

Police said enquiries into the incident are continuing.

One of Belfast’s best-known landmarks

Officially known as the Salmon of Knowledge, the Big Fish is a 10-metre-long sculpture created by Northern Irish artist John Kindness in 1999 and has become one of Belfast’s most recognisable pieces of public art.

Standing beside the River Lagan at Donegall Quay, the sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the river and the historic importance of the area. Its distinctive blue exterior is formed from printed ceramic tiles featuring text and images connected to Belfast’s history.

The landmark also contains a time capsule holding information, images and poetry relating to the city.

Police appeal for information

Sergeant Kelly said:

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 35 of 20/09/26, or call us on 101.”

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

The extent of the repair work that will be required to restore the damaged section of the landmark has not yet been confirmed.