Northern Ireland

Burglary suspect arrested after climbing tree and ‘lengthy negotiation’ with PSNI

The man was arrested following a “lengthy negotiation” with police and other emergency services

The PSNI said the man was arrested in Portadown on Monday
The PSNI said the man was arrested in Portadown on Monday (Niall Carson/PA)

A man in his 30s was arrested in west Belfast on Saturday night after he had climbed a tree following two suspected burglaries in the area.

It follows a “lengthy negotiation” with police and other emergency services while hidden in the tree.

Reports of attempted break-ins were made in the Andersonstown Park and Fruithill Park areas after 9pm on Saturday.

It’s understood that local residents had pursued the suspect after it was reported he had attempted to gain access to a property through a window.

“It was reported that a suspicious man had tried to enter a house through a window,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

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“Further enquiries were made and officers established the suspect had climbed a nearby tree.

“Following a lengthy negotiation, officers alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, brought the man down to safety.



“The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted burglary and disorderly behaviour.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information, including CCTV footage or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the areas to contact us.”