Man to appear in court charged with damaging Belfast’s iconic ‘Big Fish’ sculpture

The 44-year-old has been charged with criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, September 21. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Police received a report around 12.30am on Sunday that someone had been seen causing damage to the iconic attraction in the Donegall Quay area.

In a statement, Sergeant Kelly said: “Officers attended the scene, where it was noted that significant damage had been caused to the left eye of the sculpture.

“A 44-year-old man was subsequently located nearby and arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 35 of 20/09/26, or call us on 101.”

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.