Adrian Dunbar has revealed that filming for the upcoming seventh series of Line of Duty was temporarily paused in Belfast due to recent violent unrest in the city. The actor, who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings, said the production halted as disorder broke out earlier this month.
The unrest was sparked by the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie, for which a Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder. Rioters targeted houses believed to be occupied by immigrants, with properties attacked and cars set alight.
Speaking to RTE Radio 1, Dunbar said: 'We did have to pause for that, which... That wasn't great.' He added that he believes 'a lot of stuff being stirred up in Ireland from outside of the country' and social media played a role, but stressed that a subsequent demonstration by Belfast residents showed 'the real sentiment in Belfast is towards immigrants'.
Line of Duty's seventh season will consist of six episodes, written by show creator Jed Mercurio. Alongside Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston are set to return as Kate Fleming and Steve Arnott respectively. The new series will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with the team assigned to a sensitive case.
