Four people have been arrested after a series of violent incidents in Dungannon on Monday evening involving groups of men armed with knives and bats.

At around 7:45 pm, police received reports of an altercation at a property on Killyman Road. Approximately 10 men smashed windows and damaged the front door. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage, and two other men, aged 32 and 35, on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All three remain in custody.

Later, at about 11 pm, a police patrol encountered a large group of males gathered in the Newell Road area. Reports indicated that men were carrying knives and bats. One man was assaulted, suffering cuts to his hands and face, and required hospital treatment. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. He also remains in custody.

UUP representative Ian Irwin said the disorder began with the targeting of a property in the Courthouse Villas area, followed by a confrontation involving a large group, many carrying weapons, in the Kilcoole Drive and Eastvale Avenue area. Mid Ulster councillor Clement Cuthbertson stated that he had been informed that gangs from the East Timorese community were attacking homes belonging to other East Timorese residents. Police confirmed that those arrested are believed to be East Timorese nationals.

Several elected representatives condemned the violence. DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminality on the streets of Dungannon, and called on police to act decisively to reassure residents. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew described the altercations as deeply concerning, stating that those involved do not represent the community. UUP MLA Diana Armstrong said many householders unconnected to the violence were left frightened. SDLP councillor Karol McQuade said incidents like this leave people feeling unsettled and that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home.

Superintendent Peter Stevenson appealed for anyone with information, CCTV or other footage to contact police, quoting reference 1755 13/07/26, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously.