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Pensioner arrested during pro-Palestinian protest

OTHER Screengrab of dark haired woman being loaded into the back of a police van. She is wearing a black and white scarf, probably a keffiyeh, and has a dark coat on. Two police officers, one more visible, are helping her into the van. OTHER
A video showing one of the arrests has been shared on social media

Two women, including a pensioner, were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest in Belfast city centre on Saturday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were called to the demonstration in Castle Place on Saturday morning. The protesters were outside a branch of Barclays Bank.

The women, one aged in her 70s and another in her 50s, were detained on suspicion of criminal damage, according to a PSNI spokeswoman.

They were released later on Saturday, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

A group of about 30 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Musgrave Street PSNI station in Belfast city centre. Some are holding banners and umbrellas. A large Palestinian flag is being held up in the middle of the group.
Following the arrests, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Musgrave Street PSNI station

Following the arrests, a number of pro-Palestinian protesters held a further demonstration outside Musgrave Street PSNI station.

Sinn Féin assembly member Pat Sheehan said the arrest of a prominent Palestinian activist was "disgraceful".

"We will be raising our concerns directly with the PSNI," he said.

Branches of Barclays have been targeted around the UK by pro-Palestinian groups, who want the bank to stop investing in certain companies.