Three men and a youth have appeared in Belfast's Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and obstructing police.

The court heard that the accused scaled a large crane on a construction site at Clarence Street West on Sunday causing £10,000 of damage.

Police had to cordon off several streets as the situation was being dealt with.

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A police officer told the court that she was called to the scene at about 9.45am on Sunday.

The officer said she saw four males on top of the crane, two came down after 45 minutes, the third shortly afterwards whilst the juvenile remained up the crane for two-and-a-half hours.

The juveniles solicitor said no forensic evidence could be found to link him to the damage until the crane is dismantled and forensically examined.

The contractor responsible for the crane will lose £10,000 a day while the crane is out of operation as police carry out forensic examinations.

(GK)