Lough Erne Resort: 'Anti-fascist' protesters disrupted conference

Six people were injured after protesters disrupted a political conference at the Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh

Protesters describing themselves as anti-fascists disrupted a political conference at the Lough Erne Resort, it is understood.

Six people were injured after reports of an altercation at about 13:15 GMT on Sunday.

The room was in use at the time by the National Party, an anti-immigration party.

It is understood a minibus carrying the protesters arrived at the County Fermanagh hotel.

Two people were treated at the scene for their injuries and four others were taken to hospital following the incident.

Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Large crowd

Images seen by BBC News NI showed a large crowd in the car park, many dressed in suits while others are seen wearing masks.

Some were reportedly armed with hammers and a fire extinguisher.

The conference room, called the Ross Suite, was also damaged in the incident, it is understood.

The National Party, which is based in the Republic of Ireland, was founded in 2016.

It is a nationalist and anti-immigration party which has also campaigned against abortion and Covid-19 restrictions.

The party currently has no elected representatives.

On Sunday, social media users said guests were unable to check in to the hotel for a period of time.

Shocked staff

The Lough Erne Resort said the events of Sunday were deeply regrettable and that, while it was an isolated incident, staff had been left shocked.

It said functions rooms were hired out to a wide spectrum of organisations and the hiring of private event space "did not represent an endorsement of any kind by the resort".

"The health and safety of our staff and guests, along with our guest experience, is paramount," a statement said.

"We would like to reiterate our sincere appreciation to the emergency services for their speedy assistance and we would like to assure all guests that it is business as usual at the resort."

Both police and paramedics had attended the incident.

On Sunday, the entrance was cordoned off and yellow evidence markers placed on the ground outside near a large pot with an ornamental tree on its side.

Police have charged a 34-year-old man with affray, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

He is due to appear at Omagh Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.