There were calls last night for the PSNI to be more "proactive" in north Belfast after residents were left frightened when a large group of youths gathered near Cityside Retail and Leisure Park to attack police.
SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said he was called to the area along North Queen Street at around 8.30pm to find around 60 youths, boys and girls and some aged as young as 11, were attacking police with bottles and bricks.
He said a fire had also been lit on the road.
Mr McCusker said the trouble in the area lasted around an hour before the crowd was dispersed and calm was restored.
Police said no officers were injured and no one was arrested.
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The SDLP councillor said some children living in houses in the area had been left "frightened" by the scenes.
"It's unacceptable that this is happening," he said.
"Residents feel they can not settle. Tonight was the worst.
"Young people need to know the community don't want this. It's nonsense.
"We need police to be more proactive to prevent this".
PSNI Superintendent Muir Clark said the violence began shortly before 8pm.
"Police worked with local community representatives to reduce tensions in the area and maintained a presence in the area until the youths dispersed," he said.
"CCTV footage has been gathered and will be reviewed as part of our ongoing investigation into this incident.
“It is critical that the young people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour understand that it is unacceptable and it must stop. We don’t want anyone injured or worse. We want people to take responsibility. We want residents to feel safe in their own homes.
He said police would continue to patrol the area but some people "are still choosing to ignore our repeated appeals and warnings".
"Parents and guardians need to prevent young people from becoming involved or caught up in these activities," he said.
"Know where your children are, who they are with, what they are doing and what they are arranging on their social media accounts.
"We do not want to criminalise young people however if offences are identified we will deal with these robustly."
