Northern Ireland

Police called as crowd demonstrates against anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge

Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan
Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan

Police were called to the New Lodge area of north Belfast last night after a large crowd gathered.

It is understood the crowd gathered at Victoria Parade amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.

A video of the incident claimed that it was residents attempting to force alleged drug dealers to leave the area. 

A flat was substantially damaged, the police confirmed. 

The video shows a crowd of people walking up to the flat. There are noises of smashing glass.

&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">A video of the incident claimed&nbsp;that it was residents attempting to force alleged drug dealers to leave the area.&nbsp;</span>
 A video of the incident claimed that it was residents attempting to force alleged drug dealers to leave the area.   A video of the incident claimed that it was residents attempting to force alleged drug dealers to leave the area. 

A number of PSNI Land Rovers and unmarked cars were in parked in the New Lodge and, according to the Facebook vidoe post, around 20 tatical support officers entered the flat after members of the community had left it.

A statement from the PSNI said: "Police were present in Victoria Parade, Belfast this evening, Wednesday, 7 June, due to a crowd having gathered in the area. Whilst at this location police observed that a flat had sustained a substantial amount of damage.



"Inspector Murphy would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the damage being caused to the house or who has any information to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1049 07/06/17. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."

&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">The video claims that the residents&nbsp;&quot;formed a raiding party and descend upon a smack den above a nursery school in Victoria Parade at 1800.</span>
 The video claims that the residents "formed a raiding party and descend upon a smack den above a nursery school in Victoria Parade at  The video claims that the residents "formed a raiding party and descend upon a smack den above a nursery school in Victoria Parade at 1800.
&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">Police were present in half a dozen Land-rovers and unmarked vehicles but refrained from entering the scene until the community cleared the area.</span>
 Police were present in half a dozen Land-rovers and unmarked vehicles but refrained from entering the scene until the community cleared the are  Police were present in half a dozen Land-rovers and unmarked vehicles but refrained from entering the scene until the community cleared the area.
Members of Action Against Drugs pictured in New Lodge area of north Belfast last year
Members of Action Against Drugs pictured in New Lodge area of north Belfast last year Members of Action Against Drugs pictured in New Lodge area of north Belfast last year
Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan
Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan Police in attendance at Victoria Parade in the New Lodge. Picture by Declan Roughan
Police were called to Victoria Parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Declan Roughan
Police were called to Victoria Parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Declan Roughan Police were called to Victoria Parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Declan Roughan
&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">It is understood the crowd gathered at Victoria Parade amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.</span>
 It is understood the crowd gathered at Victoria Parade amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.  It is understood the crowd gathered at Victoria Parade amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.