Three arrested after youths attack police and torch vehicles in west Belfast
Three men have been arrested after youths swarmed a west Belfast street, throwing missiles at police and setting cars and bins alight in what officers described as "disgraceful scenes".
A police officer was injured and 11 PSNI vehicles were damaged during the disorder in the Stewartstown Road and Falls Road area on Saturday evening. Police said large crowds, many believed to be in their early teens, gathered with masonry thrown at officers.
The PSNI said further arrests are expected as officers review evidence gathered during the disorder. Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson condemned the violence and said those responsible would be tracked down.
The disorder came after officers launched an operation on Saturday morning targeting dangerous riding by scrambler bikes and e-bikes. A "large number of young people" were seen travelling at speed on scrambler-type bikes and e-bikes, with riders partially covering their faces, not wearing helmets and driving "without care for their safety or those around them".
As the operation continued, bins and loading cages were placed across Stewartstown Road at its junction with Bell Steel Road before some were set alight, forcing the road to close for a time. Police said crowds of up to 100 people gathered during the evening, with 10 Land Rovers and a police car damaged after officers came under attack.
One man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, while a 27-year-old was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and common law riot.
A third man, in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behaviour after a serious assault involving iron bars left a man in hospital.
Police also used stingers on a number of vehicles and seized a scrambler bike. Its 17-year-old rider was interviewed on suspicion of dangerous driving and other motoring offences, with a report to be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.
Chief Inspector Gibson said: "We know the level of local concern on last night’s incident and on previous nights of dangerous and risk-taking behaviour.
"These were disgraceful scenes and we are doing all we can to keep the Colin community safe.
"We are reviewing evidence gained from last night’s disgraceful behaviour and will be making more arrests."
She added that targeted patrols would continue in the Stewartstown Road area to detect riders using bikes illegally and dangerously, urging parents and guardians to warn young people about the dangers of becoming involved.
Politics Editor
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