A MAN HAS been charged following “scenes of disorder and reckless riding of scramblers” in west Belfast on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old has been charged with disorderly behaviour, and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday 14 August.

The charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. 

Bins and loading cages were placed across part of the Stewartstown Road in west Belfast, with fires set from some of the bins.

Up to 100 people gathered in the area, many in their early teens, and threw masonry at police and damaged police vehicles. One police officer was assaulted.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man arrested in connection with a serious assault involving iron bars that put a man in hospital, has been released on bail.

A 14-year-old teenage boy arrested on Sunday 19 July on suspicion of a number of offences including riot and disorderly behaviour has been released, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The PSNI said they intend to make further arrests.

“Our targeted patrols will also continue in the Stewartstown Road and other areas to detect offenders on bikers who are driving illegally,” a statement from the PSNI said.

“We would also reiterate our appeal to parents and guardians to speak to your young people and warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them obtaining a criminal record.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police using quoting reference 346 18/07/26.