Two teenage girls arrested in Northern Ireland after street fight 'planned on social media'

The Independent understands police took the precaution of stationing police units in and around the area, based on intelligence found on Facebook

The two 14-year-old girls had arranged to meet online, according to reports (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

Two teenagers have been arrested in Northern Ireland after a prearranged street fight got out of hand.

The two 14-year-old girls had arranged to meet online, according to reports, but it escalated quickly. The fight, in Belfast city centre, took place at around 5pm on Sunday evening, but soon a crowd of 200 were gathered to watch.

The Independent understands that Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) took the precaution of stationing police units in and around the area, based on intelligence found on Facebook.

According to The Irish Independent, the incident was sparked by a Facebook argument over the loyalist killer Michael Stone. One of the girls involved in the fight is thought to be a relative of the convicted killer, who was responsible for the death of three people in an attack on Milltown Cemetery in 1988.

Local Policing Chief Inspector, Robert Murdie, said: “Two 14 year old females were arrested for disorderly behaviour and will be reported to the Youth Diversion Officer. A 37 year old male was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and has subsequently been reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

“We know that these fights are being organised through social media and we would urge young people not to get involved in this this type of behaviour.”

Murdie went on to state that street fighting cannot be allowed to take place, as "someone will get seriously hurt so we need the support of the community to put a stop to this now.”

A spokesperson from PSNI confirmed that the two fourteen-year-old females were arrested for disorderly behaviour and will be reported to the Youth Diversion Officer. Another man, 37, was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and has subsequently been reported to the Public Prosecution Service.