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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, have been arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest in Belfast city centre.

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

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

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

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

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.