Northern Ireland

Youths attack police with bricks and bottles during another night of anti-social behaviour in west Belfast

Some of the damage caused during anti-social behaviour near the Stewartstown Health Centre on Thursday night. Picture from Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project
Some of the damage caused during anti-social behaviour near the Stewartstown Health Centre on Thursday night. Picture from Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project Some of the damage caused during anti-social behaviour near the Stewartstown Health Centre on Thursday night. Picture from Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project

YOUTHS attacked police with bricks and bottles during another night of anti-social behaviour on the outskirts of west Belfast.

Officers were targeted on Saturday night after attempting to disperse a large crowd of young people who had gathered on the Stewartstown Road.

It came after residents' bins were stolen and burnt in the area around Stewartstown Health Centre on Thursday night.

The Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project said its volunteers were on the ground on Saturday in Glasvey and Woodside Forest after being contacted by residents.

One woman wrote on social media that she is now "terrified" driving past the forest due to objects being thrown at cars.

In a post on its Facebook page, Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project said: "A few ring leaders have been identified and follow-ups to parents will carried out over the next few days. We are seeing new facilities for our community being put at risk by a handful of idiots. This will not be allowed to happen."

The area has witnessed repeated problems in recent weeks.

At the end of March, more than 70 young people attacked police officers after councillors and community representatives had attempted to disperse a crowd who were drinking alcohol and playing music.

On that occasion, the wing mirrors were pulled off a police Land Rover, a set of traffic lights was set on fire and masonry was thrown at police vehicles and nearby houses.

Police have appealed for parents to be aware of the whereabouts of their children and warned that those found committing offences will be arrested.