Police in Northern Ireland were called to Portstewart Strand on Sunday afternoon, June 21, after concerned members of the public reported seeing men believed to be carrying a knife. Officers rushed to the scene, only to find the men were preparing a barbecue.
Incident at Portstewart Strand
Families were enjoying the summer sun at the beach near Coleraine, County Derry, when several people spotted one of the men holding a knife. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) quickly dispatched officers to the scene.
Upon arrival, police spoke with the men and conducted a search of their van. They discovered the knife was being used to prepare food for a barbecue. No criminal offences were noted, but officers removed the knife for disposal.
PSNI Statement
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Police received a report of a number of men – one of whom was believed to have a knife – in the Portstewart Strand area on Sunday afternoon, 21st June. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene where they spoke with the men. A subsequent search of the men's van established that they had been preparing barbecue at the beach and the knife was being used for this purpose. No criminal offences were noted, however the knife was removed for disposal. No further police action was taken."
The incident was quickly de-escalated, and no arrests were made. The PSNI thanked the public for their vigilance and reminded everyone to report suspicious activity.
