Police cars damaged as up to 100 young people throw masonry at officers and set bins alight

Up to 100 people gathered in the area where the violence occurred, with the PSNI saying many were aged in their early teens.

THREE MEN WERE arrested after “scenes of disorder and reckless riding of scramblers” in west Belfast on Saturday night, police said.

A large number of young people were first seen dangerously “travelling at speed” on scrambler-type bikes and e-bikes in Dunmurry, with their faces partially covered and no helmets.

Police said bins and loading cages were placed across part of the Stewartstown Road in west Belfast, at its junction with Bell Steel Road, with fires set from some of the bins.

Police moved to close the road for a period and advised the public to avoid the area.

Up to 100 people gathered in the area, with the PSNI saying many were aged in their early teens.

They proceeded to throw masonry at police and damaged 11 police vehicles - 10 Land Rovers and one car – in the process, and one officer was assaulted.

“One male was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and a man aged 27 was arrested for disorderly behaviour and common law riot,” the PSNI said.

“A serious assault involving iron bars resulted in a man being taken to hospital.”

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behaviour.

Stingers – tyre deflation devices – were deployed on a number of vehicles by police in an attempt to halt the drivers.

Police seized one scrambler and interviewed its 17-year-old rider for dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance, and no number plate, with a report to be submitted to the prosecution service.

The area’s commander, chief inspector Kelly Gibson, said Saturday night’s events were “disgraceful” and evidence is being reviewed to allow for more arrests to be made.

“Five arrests have been made so far this week and there will be consequences, by way of more proactive arrests, for those identified as being involved,” she said.

“Targeted patrols will continue in the Stewartstown Road and other areas to detect offenders on bikers who are driving illegally and dangerously.

“By choosing to get involved in this type of behaviour, you are causing destruction within your own community. Your actions are impacting your own families, friends and neighbours.”

She asked parents and guardians to “warn them of the dangers” of taking part in such incidents.