Three individuals were detained in connection with a violent occurrence that happened on a boat in County Antrim, which involved the display of a Tricolour flag. Authorities are investigating the matter as a sectarian hate offence after a conflict sparked off at a boat club jetty in the Beach Road sector of Portballintrae, around 7.45pm on Monday. The boat was subsequently set on fire, suffering significant damage.
The police, responding to the event, apprehended three men, aged 25, 30 and 63, on various suspected infractions including criminal damage and assault causing physical harm.
Medical treatment at a hospital was necessary for one of the individuals involved. On Tuesday, a representative from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) affirmed that the 63-year-old man had been released on bail, whilst the other individuals remained under detention.
The representative mentioned that the brawl erupted due to “a flag being displayed on a boat”, reaffirming that this incident is being regarded as a sectarian-inspired hate crime. They also encouraged anyone present at the location during the incident to come forward with information.
Additionally, the rescue teams from Coleraine and Ballycastle coastal guard were put into action during the incident, in tandem with the Northern Ireland fire department who dealt with the blaze at Portballintrae harbour.
People using the water for recreational activities have been alerted to stay clear of the location because of possible pollution from the fuel contained in the damaged boat.