Police arrested at least two men after a stand-off between officers and youths on Court Street early on Saturday morning, described by one eyewitness as "terrifying".

About 15 officers in flak jackets and coveralls responded to a report of a fight at around 3 a.m. and were confronted by a large crowd of civilians. One member of the crowd hurled a bottle.

At least two people were arrested after the officers from the Police Support Unit chased assailants to a car park on the junction of Court and Dundonald Streets.

It is not known if those arrested were charged. But it is not thought that there were any injuries resulting from the incident.

One eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said: "The atmosphere was as belligerent as hell. There were people on the inside of the crowd kicking up a lot and lots of people were shouting at the Police, asking 'Why are you doing this?'

"It was a stand-off but the Police won eventually, just on their sheer numbers and tenacity. The crowd eventually dispersed. But while it happened, it was terrifying and strange so see so many cops in one place."

A Police spokesman confirmed there was an incident on Court Street at that time yesterday but said he had no way of finding out any further details.