Two boys aged 12 and 15 were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour after disorder broke out at Springfield Road and Lanark Way in West Belfast last night (Wednesday 3rd November).
Officers were deployed to the Springfield Road and Lanark Way areas from approximately 5pm. Following a small protest in the Lanark Way area which obstructed the road for a period of time, disorder broke out involving both sides of the community and continued for several hours with items being burnt on the roads and missiles thrown at police officers and police vehicles.
It was extremely fortunate that there were no reports of injuries, however, a number of police vehicles were damaged by masonry attacks. Calm was restored to the area by around 10.30pm.
Two males aged 12 and 15 were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and have since been released on bail as police enquiries continue.
An investigation is now underway to identify those involved in disorder.
Chief Inspector Darren Fox said: “The disgraceful scenes of disorder seen this evening put members of the public and the responding police officers in real danger and must be condemned by all. The totally unacceptable behaviour by those intent on trouble caused significant inconvenience to the local community and only served to heighten community tensions across the area. I would like to thank local community representatives and youth workers for their influence and assistance in preventing further disorder. I would appeal for those involved in disorder to consider the choices they make in coming out onto the streets to attack police, property and their own communities.”