Police respond to weekend disorder in East Belfast as youths urged to stay away

Police responded to disorder in East Belfast on Friday and Saturday night after groups of youths gathered and missiles were thrown. Bottles and stones were also thrown between rival groups near Bryson Street and Pitt Park. No police officers were injured. The PSNI has urged parents and guardians to know where their children are and warned that identified offences will be dealt with robustly.

Police have appealed for young people to stay away from disorder after officers dealt with incidents in East Belfast over the weekend.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said officers were called to reports involving groups of youths on both Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. The PSNI published details of the incidents on Monday, August 24.

Missiles thrown at police in East Belfast

Inspector Moutray said police received the first report shortly after 10pm on Friday, August 21.

A group of youths had gathered in the area and, when police attended, a number of missiles were thrown towards officers and police vehicles.

No officers were injured and the rival groups later left the area.

You can read the full PSNI statement on the East Belfast disorder here.

Rival groups gather near Bryson Street and Pitt Park

Police were called again at around 8.30pm on Saturday, August 22, following reports that rival groups had gathered around Bryson Street and Pitt Park.

Bottles and stones were reportedly thrown between the groups.

Police worked with local community representatives to reduce tensions and maintained a presence in the area until the youths dispersed.

East Belfast disorder: Key facts

• Disorder was reported on Friday and Saturday night.
• Missiles were thrown towards police and police vehicles on Friday.
• No police officers were injured.
• Rival groups gathered near Bryson Street and Pitt Park on Saturday.
• Bottles and stones were thrown between the groups.
• Police worked with community representatives to reduce tensions.
• Police have warned that identified offences will be dealt with robustly.

Police issue warning to young people

Inspector Moutray said officers would continue working alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address the issue.

However, police said some people were continuing to ignore repeated appeals and warnings.

Inspector Moutray said it was vital that young people understand that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and must stop.

Police said their priority was to prevent anyone being injured and to ensure residents can feel safe in their own homes.

Parents urged to know where their children are

The PSNI also issued a direct message to parents and guardians.

Police urged adults to know:

• where their children are;
• who they are with;
• what they are doing; and
• what they may be arranging through their social media accounts.

While police said they do not want to criminalise young people, officers warned that where offences are identified they will be dealt with robustly.

How to report information to police

Anyone with information about criminal or anti-social behaviour can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI online reporting service.

For non-emergency matters, police can be contacted by calling 101.

Always call 999 where there is an emergency, a crime is taking place or someone is in immediate danger.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.