POLICE have deployed extra resources to the New Lodge area of north Belfast after officers came under attack from a gang of youths.
The PSNI said they were responding to an urgent call for assistance from a member of the public when they came under attack from a gang who threw fireworks, masonry and an uprooted tree at police vehicles on Tuesday evening.
Chief Inspector Kelly Moore said that, while no officers were injured, a number of vehicles were damaged with one now "off the road awaiting repair".
Roads were barricaded with stolen industrial bins which were set on fire, with Fire and Rescue Service forced to withdraw from the area at one stage.
Inspector Moore said additional resources had been deployed to the area with CCTV-fitted vehicles to record footage of any future incidents.
"We should not need to deploy these resources. Time and time again we have asked parents and guardians to ensure they know where their young people are, what they are doing and who they are with.
"I again remind young people that what initially might seem like fooling about can sometimes get out of hand and at best result in a criminal record which can affect travel, education and employment opportunities in the future. At worst, someone could be seriously injured or killed."
Police have asked for anyone with information about Tuesday's disturbances to contact them on 101.
