DILI, 15 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The Consulate General of Timor-Leste in Belfast on Tuesday condemned a violent confrontation that took place in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, on 13 July, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable.”
According to the Belfast Telegraph, four people were arrested following reports of an altercation involving about 10 men armed with knives and bats in Dungannon.
District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson told the Belfast Telegraph: “At approximately 7.45pm police received a report of altercation involving approximately 10 men armed with knives and bats at a property in the Killyman Road area.”
In a statement issued after the incident, the Consulate General said the violence had caused fear within the community.
“It has created a frightening environment, causing significant emotional distress for the local and wider community—particularly for vulnerable individuals who may have viewed the footage circulated on social media,” the Consulate General of Timor-Leste said. “Violence in any shape or form is entirely intolerable and must be addressed immediately and decisively. We are deeply saddened by this confrontation and condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
The Consulate said that although the case falls outside its legal enforcement jurisdiction, it is committed to working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“We are committed to taking the initiative to mediate between the disputing parties. Our goal is to bring them together for a constructive dialogue to resolve both the immediate conflict and its underlying causes, ensuring such incidents do not happen again,” the statement said.
The Consulate also urged those involved in the incident to come forward, accept responsibility, and remain accountable to the law.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Deborah Erskine said the incident had left her “deeply concerned,” according to the Belfast Telegraph.
She stressed that there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminality on the streets of Dungannon.
TATOLI
