PSNI moves to quash false social media claims after Belfast city centre arrest

Police making the arrest in Belfast city centre on Tuesday.

Published: Wednesday, 5 August 2026

The PSNI has urged the public not to share unverified claims online after issuing a statement to correct misinformation surrounding the arrest of a 24-year-old man in Belfast city centre.

The clarification follows the circulation of social media posts after a police incident in the Cornmarket area on Tuesday, 4 August, which prompted speculation about the circumstances of the arrest.

Police reject knife claims

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Police Service confirmed the man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour following an earlier altercation in the city centre.

Officers also sought to dispel claims circulating online that the man had been carrying a knife.

A PSNI spokesperson said:

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media concerning an arrest earlier today, Tuesday 4th August, in the Cornmarket area of Belfast.

“This individual, a 24-year-old man, was arrested by police on suspicion of disorderly behaviour following an earlier altercation in the same area this afternoon.

“We can also confirm the man was not in possession of a knife, or any other object, as suggested within these unverified claims online.

“The man remains in custody at this time, as our enquiries continue into the circumstances of the earlier altercation.

“We would encourage people not to speculate online, which can cause unwanted and unnecessary concern within our communities.”

Warning against speculation

The police intervention comes as inaccurate information can spread rapidly on social media following high-profile incidents, sometimes causing unnecessary alarm before official facts have been established.

The PSNI has stressed that its investigation into Tuesday’s altercation remains ongoing. At this stage, the man has been arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, and no allegations relating to possession of a knife have been substantiated.

The force is continuing its enquiries and has appealed for people to rely on verified information rather than speculation while the investigation progresses.