Hundreds Watch Fight Arranged on Social Media

Two teenage girls have been arrested in Belfast after what police say was a fight arranged on social media that brought 200 youths on to the streets.

Police said the two teens, both 14, were held for disorderly behaviour and will be reported to the Youth Diversion Officer.

A 37-year-old man was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon, police said.

The fight between two girls was believed to have been arranged on Facebook and took place on Sunday afternoon in the city centre.

Police were called to a report of disturbances.

"When officers arrived they witnessed up to 200 young people gathered for a pre-arranged fight," said Local Policing Chief Inspector Robert Murdie.

"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," he said in a statement that was also posted on the police force’s Facebook page.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the group first found a spot to hold the fight. Then, the spectators gathered around the two fighters to create a ring, and the fight began.

A voice then shouted: "Right, go ahead there - go ahead."

"Pre-arranged fights may start off between one or two people but could quickly escalate and the potential for serious injury cannot be underestimated," police warned.