Coronavirus: 27 QUB students suspended over Covid breaches

Students have been suspended from Queen's University after they breached coronavirus regulations and were issued with Covid notices by police.

The economy minister said 27 students had been suspended for up to two weeks.

Ulster University has issued precautionary suspension letters to 10 students with three cases pending.

St Mary's University College in Belfast said seven of its students received Covid notices and will be suspended from Thursday.

There have also been three suspensions at Stranmillis University College after three students received Covid notices.

More than 100 Covid notices have been handed out by police in the Holyland and Stranmillis areas since Friday.

The areas have large student populations, but police said most of those who received notices were not students.

Covid notices issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland can carry a fine of up to £1,000.

The principal of St Mary's, Prof Peter Finn, said he had received information about the breaches late on Tuesday afternoon.

"The issue will be addressed with reference to the College Code of Disciplinary Procedure and the students will be suspended tomorrow," he said,

Speaking to Stormont's economy committee on Wednesday, Diane Dodds warned students their behaviour could affect their future careers.

She appealed to students to "obey the rules" and recognise the precautions they need to take during the pandemic and not to engage in anti-social behaviour.

"It might seem like fun now, but it could have dreadful health consequences for those you love, and it could have consequences for your later life," she said.

"So I issue that as a very stark warning to students and I will support the universities in taking action to ensure people are safe and that students know that there are rules that have to be obeyed."

Overnight, police issued a further 40 Covid notices, 12 prohibition notices and three community resolution notices in south Belfast.

Ch Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick said: "One young male received his first notice just after 16:30 yesterday.

"Unfortunately, this male continued to disregard advice throughout the evening and was issued with additional Covid notices, resulting in a fine of £240."

He added: "Once again, last night through to the early hours of this morning, police, council officers and university representatives engaged with large numbers of people attending parties and gathering on the street at various locations.

"People need to stop this behaviour."