Large group of young people attack PSNI in west Belfast

​A local unionist source reported that the incident began when a crowd of over 100 young people came from the nationalist Falls Road area and attacked houses in the unionist Broadway area, before being chased back to the Falls area.

The PSNI responded that they had no information on how the incident began and that they could not comment on the claim.

Police said they received reports of young people in the Glenmachan Street and Broadway areas of Belfast, at around 6.45pm on Saturday night.

Inspector Róisín Brown said: “A significant number of young people gathered on both sides of the Westlink, and police also received reports of property being damaged in the area.

"Local neighbourhood officers attended alongside local policing team officers from west Belfast, where two groups were attempting to confront each other.

"Young people dispersed from the area but returned at about 8.30pm and began throwing objects at police. Thankfully there were no reports of any injuries, and police stayed in the area until calm was restored."

She said that such behaviour disrupts the local communit, is intimidating and achieves nothing.

"People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe. I am asking young people to stay away from the area this evening and think about the potential consequences of their actions.”

She urged members of the public to report such matters early to prevent escalation. We will be working with our community partners throughout the rest of the weekend and going forward to manage this, and we appreciate the support of local people to help us maintain peace in the area.“You can ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.”