Man arrested after Belfast’s Big Fish significantly damaged

44-year-old man has been arrested after Belfast’s famous Big Fish sculpture was significantly damaged at Donegall Quay in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police say the landmark’s left eye was badly damaged.

A man has been arrested after Belfast’s Big Fish was damaged during an incident at Donegall Quay in the early hours of Sunday, 20 September.

Police received a report at around 12.30am that someone had been seen causing damage to the well-known Belfast landmark.

Officers attended the scene and discovered significant damage to the left eye of the sculpture.

A 44-year-old man was subsequently located nearby and arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

He remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

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Significant damage caused to Belfast Big Fish

Images from the scene show extensive damage around the Big Fish’s distinctive eye, with sections of its ceramic exterior smashed.

Reports from the scene indicate that a sledgehammer was used during the incident.

The sculpture, which stands at Donegall Quay beside the River Lagan, is one of the most recognisable landmarks along Belfast’s waterfront.

Police appeal following Big Fish damage

Police enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has information that could assist the investigation, can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI online reporting service.

The police reference for the incident is 35 of 20/09/26.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What is Belfast’s Big Fish?

The Big Fish, officially known as the Salmon of Knowledge, is one of Belfast’s best-known pieces of public art.

The 10-metre-long sculpture was created by Northern Irish artist John Kindness and installed at Donegall Quay in 1999.

According to Visit Belfast, the fish is covered in printed ceramic tiles featuring text and images connected to Belfast’s history.

The sculpture also contains a time capsule storing information, photographs and poetry about the city.

It was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan and the historical importance of the surrounding area.

The Big Fish now forms part of Belfast’s wider Maritime Mile, which stretches through the city’s historic waterfront towards Titanic Quarter.

Belfast landmark popular with visitors

Over the years, the Big Fish has become a popular photo stop for visitors to Belfast.

Visit Belfast lists the sculpture among the city’s attractions and describes it as a 10-metre salmon commissioned in 1999 to mark the regeneration of the River Lagan.

Repairs to damaged Belfast landmark

The extent of the repair work required to restore the damaged section of the Big Fish has not yet been confirmed.

The artwork has stood on Belfast’s waterfront for more than 25 years and has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Northern Ireland Online will update this story if further information is released by police or Belfast City Council.

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