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Ulster University warns anti-social St Patrick's Day revellers may be dismissed

The scene in the Holyland area of south Belfast last year. Picture by Hugh Russell
The scene in the Holyland area of south Belfast last year. Picture by Hugh Russell The scene in the Holyland area of south Belfast last year. Picture by Hugh Russell

ST Patrick's Day revellers who engage in anti-social behaviour may be dismissed from their studies, Ulster University warned.

Vice-Chancellor Paddy Nixon said he was extremely concerned about behaviour by a minority of students in the Holyland area of south Belfast.

Students have been warned of an increased police presence on the streets ahead of Friday's festivities.

Mr Nixon said: "I am not prepared to allow such unacceptable behaviour to continue, so we will apply the severest sanctions possible, up to and including dismissal from the university".

Street disturbances and anti-social behaviour have bedevilled the Holyland area at this time of the year for some time.

The area behind Queen's University is full of student housing.

Five off-licences are to close voluntarily for some time on St Patrick's Day.

Mr Nixon said: "Reports made to us over the forthcoming St Patrick's Day period by the PSNI and Belfast City Council will be fully investigated....I do not want any Ulster student to face criminal convictions for anti-social behaviour or find themselves facing disciplinary action as this will have a long-term impact on their chosen career path."

Both Queen's and UU have said the majority of those who travelled to the Holyland on St Patrick's Day are not college students but secondary level pupils or non-students.