Northern Ireland

Primary school children 'being drawn into organised fights'

Superintendent Muir Clark warned: `Police will be coming to doors over the next few weeks'. Picture by Hugh Russell
Superintendent Muir Clark warned: `Police will be coming to doors over the next few weeks'. Picture by Hugh Russell Superintendent Muir Clark warned: `Police will be coming to doors over the next few weeks'. Picture by Hugh Russell

OFFICERS will be "knocking on doors" following another night of organised fights, a police chief has promised, after claims children in primary school are now being drawn into the violence.

Police were yesterday poring over CCTV footage and reviewing 'open source' social media, such as Facebook, in a bid to identify those involved in the sectarian clashes at York Street and North Queen Street in north Belfast on Wednesday night.

Up to 60 youths "from both sides of the community" gathered in the area shortly before 8pm and each side hurled missiles which were then directed at police called to the area.

The PSNI said no officers were injured and no arrests have been made.

However, Superintendent Muir Clark warned: "Police will be coming to doors over the next few weeks to speak to people we have identified that were involved in this type of behaviour."

He said he had been told an 11-year-old was at the scene, suggesting there were children "as young as P7" and warned while "we do not want to criminalise young people... if offences are identified we will deal with these robustly".

"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.

"We will continue to deploy resources, from local officers, supported by our tactical support group and evidence gathering colleagues patrolling north Belfast to prevent anti-social behaviour and detect those involved.

"We will also continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address the issue, but it is quite apparent that 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. Know where your children are, who they are with, what they are doing and what they are arranging on their social media accounts.

On Monday, the Irish News highlighted that the New Lodge/Tigers Bay interface was the latest organised crime hotspot, with the age profile falling as older teens disengaged thorough diversionary programmes, such as the Ardoyne/Shankill R City programme.

However, the 'ringleaders' are known to be older teens of around 16 and 17.

Former participants revealed that weapons such as knuckledusters and 'flip bats' have become the norm and are now ordered online and carried routinely during the confrontations "for protection".