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McDonald's 'taking seriously' concerns after Belfast boxer stabbing

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers is of the utmost importance"
A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers is of the utmost importance" A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers is of the utmost importance"

McDONALD'S has said it is "taking seriously" concerns over anti-social behaviour around one of its fast-food restaurants in central Belfast following the stabbing of a young boxer.

Caoimhin Hynes was queueing with his girlfriend outside the 24-hour McDonald's on Donegall Place to buy food after a night out when he was attacked.

The 20-year-old was sliced across the face in the serious assault during the early hours of Monday.

Over the years there have been numerous incidents in and around the McDonald's outlet in Belfast city centre including scenes of violence.

In February last year a north Belfast man was found dead in a toilet cubicle in the restaurant after he had injected himself with heroin.

In 2015 a man in his 20s had part of his ear bitten off in an altercation at the fast-food chain.

And in 2001, David Finn (32) was stabbed to death after a fight broke out in the restaurant. Anthony Hagans, from Ross Street in Belfast's Divis area, was given a life sentence for the murder.

McDonald's yesterday said security guards are in place at its Donegall Place outlet and the company will continue to work closely with police.

A spokeswoman said in a statement: "With regret the area around this restaurant has experienced some anti-social issues and we (along with other businesses affected) are taking this seriously,"

"Security guards are in place at this restaurant and we continue to monitor the situation, whilst working in close partnership with local police.

"The safety of our colleagues and customers is of the utmost importance and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that puts this at risk.

"The serious assault over the weekend took place near our restaurant. This did not happen inside our premises and we don't believe any of our customers were involved. We wish the victim a speedy recovery."