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NATO has confirmed that crew members from a flotilla moored in Belfast are being investigated after a bridge was smashed up over the weekend.

The Lagan Weir bridge, that spans the river from Donegall Quay to Queen’s Quay in Belfast city centre, was extensively damaged in an incident that appears to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Glass panels at the side of the footbridge were smashed as were spotlights embedded in its floor. It is estimated the cost of repairing the damage could run into thousands of pounds.

On Sunday, a spokesman for the NATO fleet, the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One, Lt Cmdr Talis Dzerve, said he could “confirm crew members from the NATO group” are being questioned about the incident.

(Image: Photopress)

He added: “Representatives from our group are in close contact with the police regarding proceedings in this case. We are co-operating with the police, but as the case is proceeding we cannot comment any further at this time.”

Lt Cmdr Dzerve declined to comment on whose custody the sailors were in, however he described the alleged incident as “very unpleasant”.

In a separate statement, sent to Belfast Live from NATO headquarters, a spokesman also confirmed the allegation is being investigated.

(Image: Brian Meharg)

They added: “We are aware of this incident and can confirm that crew members of one of the ships of the NATO standing group are cooperating with local authorities. Due to ongoing legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Belfast Live understands that the incident was captured on CCTV overlooking the bridge. It is understood two individuals were seen in the vicinity of the incident and that some sort of implement, possibly a golf club, was used to smash the glass panels and lights. It is understood the incident occurred over a period of minutes and that police were alerted by a witness.

The footbridge was closed on Saturday while temporary repairs were carried out. The £5m footbridge was opened two years ago replacing an old footbridge which was used by 16,000 people each week.

Sources say that each of the panels smashed costs hundreds of pounds. The bridge was re-opened late on Saturday afternoon following the temporary repairs.

The Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) arrived in Belfast last week for a port visit as part of the group’s 2017 deployment.

Over the last two weeks the ships of SNMCMG1, their crews and the command staff have participated in intense training during the United Kingdom’s exercise Joint Warrior which took place in British waters North-East of Scotland.

On Tuesday, the PSNI confirmed they are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "Police officers on patrol in Belfast city centre at around 4am on 14 October arrested two men on suspicion of criminal damage after they noted damage to the Perspex panels on the Lagan Weir walkway.

"Both were released on bail pending further enquiries. Police enquiries are ongoing."

Also on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Department for Communities which has responsibility for the bridge said the "estimated repair bill to the bridge will be £7,500".