Hairdresser ‘stunned’ by police raid

BELFAST award-winning hairdresser Jason Shankey said he was left stunned after his quiet Saturday night in was disturbed by a police “raid”.

After having had the flu, Mr Shankey had been enjoying an evening of music and wine with his girlfriend in his east Belfast home.

The couple are in a support bubble and given the devastating impact the pandemic has had on his business he said he would be a stickler for following the rules.

However, his world got turned upside down when there was a knock at the door.

“Cops just raided my home,” he posted on Facebook on Saturday evening.

“Just me and her, listening to tunes. They were phoned to say I was having fun and was having a party. This is real.”

The salon owner said he was so stunned at the visit, he allowed the Ppe-clad officers in to see for themselves.

“I had nothing to hide, so of course let them in,” he said.

“I presume a neighbour saw my girlfriend’s car and thought to report it. There was no loud music or anything.

“It really felt like my house was violated. I just could not understand it.”

Mr Shankey said he called the police on Sunday and was informed a report had been made of a suspected breach of the coronavirus rules at his address, although nothing was found.

“I was angry,” he added. “Who does this?”

“The police were courteous and polite, but for all you hear of what is going on did they need to be at my door on a Saturday night?”

The PSNI has been asked for a response.