Police are appealing for information following a report of criminal damage in a bar in the Shankill Road area of north Belfast yesterday evening, Friday, January 27.

‘Bar Berlin’, formerly the ‘Berlin Arms’, on the corner of Berlin Street, is owned Mark Pollock and his wife Becky, the daughter of one-time UDA west Belfast brigadier Jim Spence.

Inspector Hamilton said: “At approximately 7.15pm we received a report that around 20 masked men, some armed with baseball bats, had entered the bar.

“They proceeded to smash a number of windows and TVs and caused extensive damage to the interior of the premises before leaving.

“Luckily no one was injured during the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with our enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1696 of 27/01/23.

“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. ”