Police are asking parents to ensure they know where their children are after youths threw petrol bombs at the PSNI at North Queen Street and on New Lodge Road in North Belfast yesterday (Friday).
The disorder began just after 4pm and carried on into the evening.
Youths also hurled stones at houses and passing cars.
Chief Inspector Peter Brannigan said police came under attack by youths who threw a number of petrol bombs.
“Throughout the course of the afternoon, and into the early evening time, a further number of petrol bombs were thrown. A piece of furniture was set on fire on the middle of North Queen Street where a number of youths congregated.
“It was also reported that youths in the vicinity of Duncairn Gardens were throwing stones at houses and at passing cars. North Queen Street was closed for a time to allow debris to be cleared,” he said.
Police received two reports of criminal damage caused to two vehicles – one on York Street, and a vehicle on North Queen Street – as a result of this ‘senseless’ behaviour.
Damage was also caused to a property in Hallidays Road where a window was smashed.
“I want to make a direct appeal to the young people who were involved in this reckless activity, and to parents and guardians of young people to please ensure you know where your young people are and what they are doing.
“We will deploy the necessary resources to detect and deter those responsible in a proportionate manner, and we will seek to gather evidence to bring those responsible before the courts, whether through evidence gathering or arrests at the time.
“There will be consequences for those choosing to engage in this type of behaviour,” said Chief Inspector Peter Brannigan.
And he said he wants to reassure the community that police will continue to work with local representatives, partner agencies and members of the community to prevent a repeat of what occurred yesterday.
He is also appealing to those in the community to use their influence.
Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call police on 101, and quote reference number 1396 of 10/07/20. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org