FIVE people have been hospitalised following a "large altercation" at a Co Fermanagh hotel which was hosting a meeting of the far-right Irish National Party.
It is believed several people were attacked during what is understood to have been the anti-immigration party's annual Ard Fheis at the Lough Erne Resort on the outskirts of Enniskillen.
It was claimed attendees were confronted by "anti-fascists" before the altercation broke out at the five-star luxury resort.
Emergency services were called to the resort with police saying they responded to a report of a "large altercation" at the hotel, in the Lough Shore Road area.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said paramedics were alerted to an incident at around 1.13pm "involving a large number of people".
They said two emergency crews and two ambulance officers were despatched to the scene.
"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, five patients were taken to South West Acute Hospital," the spokesperson said.
Police last night said a man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
“Officers attended and calm was restored a short time later," a spokesman said.
It was also reported that guests said they were unable to check into their rooms as a result of the incident.
The Lough Erne Resort, which in 2013 hosted the GB Summit of world leaders, declined to comment when contacted by the Irish News last night.
A spokesperson later said in a statement issued on social media: "As you may be aware there was an incident at the resort this afternoon, as a result of which local emergency services have been in attendance.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused to our valued guests and we are grateful to the emergency services for their speedy response.
"Please be advised that this was an isolated incident and it is business as usual at the resort with guest check-ins taking place as normal."
The National Party, which was founded in 2016 and currently has no elected members in Ireland.
The party is staunchly anti-immigrant and had strong opposing views to the Covid vaccination and lockdown rules.
The far-right party, led by anti-abortion campaigner Justin Barrett, describes itself as an "Irish nationalist party dedicated to the fulfilment of the Irish national idea".
It adds on its website: "We stand against the corrupt and amoral establishment who push replacement level inmigration which will in time completely destroy Irish nationality."
The party did not respond when contacted by the Irish News.
