The arrests of two women during a pro-Palestinian protest in Belfast city centre were lawful and did not breach police guidelines, a Police Ombudsman investigation has found. However, the inquiry identified shortcomings in how officers handled the incident, including a failure to act against two other women who had been reported for similar actions.

The women, aged 72 and in her 50s, were arrested on 24 May 2025 on suspicion of criminal damage after stickers were placed on the keys and card slot of a cash machine outside Barclays Bank in Castle Place. Although bank staff had removed the stickers before the arrests, investigators noted that case law establishes that temporarily impairing the use or function of property may amount to criminal damage.

No public complaints were made about the incident, but Police Ombudsman Chief Executive Hugh Hume ordered an independent investigation because the conduct of some officers might have amounted to misconduct.

The investigation found that the arrests complied with PSNI policy and the Code of Ethics. However, it raised concerns that officers took no action against two other women who had earlier been reported for similar activity outside the bank.

Recommendations were made to improve the performance of two arresting officers. The PSNI decided no action was needed for one officer, who said he was unaware the women arrested were not those mentioned in the initial call for police assistance. But it accepted the recommendation for the second officer, who failed to act after a suspect was specifically identified to him by city centre CCTV operators. His claim that he had considered other options before making an arrest was contradicted by evidence that he arrested the woman immediately after she was identified.

The PSNI also accepted a recommendation to improve the performance of a custody officer who entered identical information into police systems about the circumstances of both arrests, despite their individual circumstances differing. The officer accepted he had been negligent but said he had not acted with ill intent.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the policing of protests can be complex and involves balancing competing rights. He said the investigation found officers did not act unlawfully, did not breach guidance, and found no misconduct. However, he acknowledged shortcomings in aspects of the police response and in the recording of information. Action to improve performance has been accepted in respect of two officers, while no further action was required against a third.

Singleton said the PSNI would ensure lessons are learned to support officers and staff in delivering a professional service.