Thousands of fish flood street in Belfast as lorry spills load

Thousands of fish flood street in Belfast as lorry sheds load

It was mackerel dinner all round in Belfast after thousands of fish fell off the back of a lorry this weekend.

The lorry spill occurred in Ravenhill Road on Saturday night - and local residents quickly rushed out to pick up the spoils.

Massive Fish Spilling On Ravenhill Road In Belfast

Ravenhill Road resident Tommy Bardsley, 61, grabbed 25 pieces to store in his freezer.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he said: "I got 25 pieces and it's all fresh fish. I'll have some for dinner and freeze the rest. I want to see what it tastes like so I'll cook it in the oven and make it with baby boils. I know fish and can tell they were just off a boat."

He added: "They were about five-deep in the middle of the road.

"All the cars were driving through it and it still stinks so the council will need to disinfect the road.

"There were thousands of mackerel, it would be worth some amount of money."

While many people were getting ready to enjoy a fish supper, one resident expressed her disgust at the scene, saying: "Loads of people were out with their beers and in their pyjamas and having a party. It's disgusting that they would lift fish off the street and eat it. You don't know what's been lying on that road."

And officials warned locals not to the fish, too. A Belfast County Council spokesman told the Daily Telegraph: "We would strongly advise against the consumption of food where you are not clear as to its source or if it is safe to eat.

"In any event, there is a possibility of the fish being contaminated through direct contact with the road, rendering it unfit for human consumption."

A police spokeswoman said: "It was reported to police at 9pm that a lorry shed part of its load on the Ravenhill Road. Police alerted environmental health that it needed to be cleared

"Police have identified the lorry and its company but as it is a weekend we will have to wait until Monday before it reopens.

"The driver did not stop. It may have been the case that the driver was not aware of what happened."