POLICE will be on patrol in Belfast today following a night of disruption in the city which saw paint and petrol bombs thrown at officers.
A group of up to 50 young people were involved in the incident at the Broadway Roundabout area of south Belfast last night (July 15).
Police vehicles and cars belonging to members of the public were damaged during the disorder, which lasted into the early hours of this morning the PSNI have confirmed.
“Thankfully, no injuries to police officers or the public were reported,” Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, District Commander for Belfast, said this morning.
“However, this was a particularly protracted period of public disorder lasting into the early hours of today.
“Petrol and paint bombs were thrown at officers and vehicles by groups of up to 50 young people,” he explained.
“The windscreens of three cars were shattered and splattered with paint with some damage also caused to our police vehicles.”
The PSNI have confirmed that there will be extra police on patrol in the area this evening to prevent any further disruption and to “detect” those involved in last night’s incident.
“Local officers will continue to patrol the area tonight to prevent anti-social or disorderly behaviour and detect those involved,” Supt Lindsay said.
“We will also continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community.”
He added: “I would urge the young people who have been involved and their parents or guardians to seriously consider the impact of their actions on the local community, but also on their own futures.
“These actions have serious consequences. My message is simple, walk away and don’t get involved in any trouble.“I want to thank local community representatives who worked with us to restore calm and minimise the impact on the local community.
“Officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence in the area and I would encourage you to report any and all incidents of anti-social behaviour in your community. The more we know, the more we can do to support people and take positive action. You can contact on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”