Line of Duty’s real life locations – and what they’re used for when filming ends

As tension mounts in the sixth series of Line of Duty, millions of viewers are champing at the bit for bent coppers and Supt Ted Hastings’ quirky sayings.

The show is set in an unnamed UK city but is shot once again in Belfast.

Yet among the many enduring mysteries surrounding the adventures of AC-12 is the exact location of all those clandestine meetings, breathless foot chases and tense stand-offs.

So this week our very own crack team hit the streets of Belfast on the trail of AC-12 to find out exactly where our favourite characters have been in this and previous series…

Boyle Arrest – Cregagh Estate

As dodgy officer DCI Jo Davidson gets stuck into the action at the start of series six, her team arrests Terry Boyle at Beechwood House – a renamed block in the Cregagh Estate in the east of the city, just yards from the house where football legend George Best grew up.

The Subway – Albert Clock Queen’s Square

It’s dark, it’s smelly – and it’s a favourite location for DS Arnott and DI Kate Fleming to meet for a secret chinwag.

The subway, which runs from the city-centre Albert Clock to High Street, is decorated with some of the city’s famous street art.

AC-12 HQ – Bedford Street

DS Arnott and his waistcoats are often seen outside the Invest NI building in the city centre, which stands in for AC-12’s headquarters. Its sloping stairways and high balconies allow the anti-corruption team a good gander at dodgy officers as they arrive for a grilling.

Central HQ – Central Library, Royal Avenue

The fictional Pelbury House, HQ of the show’s Central Police force and the scene of many peaked-cap adjustments by Ted Hastings and various other tense-looking senior officers, is set at the city’s Central Library on Royal Avenue, which opened in 1888.

You’re nicked – Upper Queen Street

Corrupt police administrator Vihaan Malhotra is wrestled to the ground in the opening episode of series five, creating a commotion in the bustling city centre.

The scene featured a Translink bus in the background along with a few shocked bystanders.

The Gun Scare – Rosemary Street

DI Fleming tears up Rosemary Street off Royal Avenue in the city centre, armed with a hefty machine gun, chasing Dot when he goes on the run at the end of series three.

But as she gets him in her sights a couple of wee fellas get in the way…

The shootout – Tates Avenue

Dot and Kate’s dramatic stand-off in series three was filmed under the bridge at Tates Avenue in the south of the city.

The national football ground, Windsor Park, is in the background, behind the spot where Dot spells out the “H” clue in his dying moments.

The meet-up – Coffee shop – Linenhall Street

DS Arnott meets former love interest DS Nicola Rogerson in a coffee shop at the start of series six, revealing he’s “bored” with anti-corruption and seeking a switch to her department.

The scene was filmed at Snax ’N the City, a short stroll from City Hall.

Face off – Royal Mail HQ Tomb Street

The tense confrontation between DS Arnott and rogue undercover cop John Corbett in series five was filmed between the Royal Mail HQ at Tomb Street – just up the road from the famous Big Fish sculpture – and a dark alley leading to the river Lagan.

The no-show – Victoria Square shopping centre

Corbett abandons a would-be meet after a no-show at fictional shopping centre The Pallisades, set in Victoria Square. He makes his way past The Kitchen Bar and Jaffe fountain, a yellow drinking fountain put up in 1874, to a car outside Bittles Bar.

The bookies – Sunningdale Park

DI Kate Fleming and DCI Davidson get caught up in an armed robbery at fictional bookies, Hickeys. Filmed off North Belfast’s Cavehill Road, the officers park on Cooldarragh Road before running like the clappers straight into the action.

• Line of Duty continues on Sunday, BBC1, 9pm

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