Northern Ireland

Police investigate report of men in paramilitary-style outfits at service in council run cemetery

Belfast City Council contacted police following reports of the graveside service

Roselawn Cemetery
Roselawn Cemetery

Police are investigating whether a paramilitary-style funeral was held at a Belfast City Council-run cemetery on Saturday.

The council contacted police after reports of men wearing what appeared to be paramilitary-style outfits at Roselawn Cemetery in east Belfast.

The men were wearing white shirts, ties with symbols and black armbands at a graveside service, it was reported to the council and then to the PSNI.

Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast. Picture by Colm O'Reilly
Men alleged to be in paramilitary-style outfits reportedly were spotted at graveside service

In a statement issued after being contacted by the BBC, a PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police received a report in relation to this matter yesterday evening, Saturday 17 August.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Belfast City Council is investigating an incident which occurred at a burial at Roselawn cemetery on Saturday.

“This matter has also been reported to the PSNI. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

In a previous incident earlier this year an image circulated that appeared to show masked men inside Roselawn crematorium.