POLICE and political representatives have appealed for calm after significant numbers of young people were involved in what appeared to be violent sectarian clashes at one of Belfast’s busiest junctions.
Videos posted on social media on Saturday evening showed groups of youths crossing the Broadway roundabout and throwing missiles.
The PSNI confirmed it received a number of reports of young people in the Glenmachan Street and Broadway areas of Belfast, at around 6.45pm.
Inspector Róisín Brown said: “A significant number of young people gathered on both sides of the Westlink, and police also received reports of property being damaged in the area.
"Local neighbourhood officers attended alongside local policing team officers from west Belfast, where two groups were attempting to confront each other.”
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Police said the groups dispersed from the area but returned at around 8.30pm and began throwing objects at police.
There were no reports of any injuries.
“This behaviour disrupts the local community who are living in the area. It is intimidating, achieves nothing and no one wants it,” said the PSNI inspector.
“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe. I am asking young people to stay away from the area this evening and think about the potential consequences of their actions.
“I also ask that members of the public report anything of concern to us so that we can intervene early and prevent escalation.
“We will be working with our community partners throughout the rest of the weekend and going forward to manage this, and we appreciate the support of local people to help us maintain peace in the area.”
Sinn Féin’s West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey described the footage as “concerning” and appealed to young people not to get caught up in anti-social behaviour.
“I would appeal for this anti-social behaviour to stop immediately and for young people who could get caught up in this behaviour to stay away.
“Those responsible have nothing to offer local people apart from disruption and inconvenience and I would call on them to cease.”
