WEST BELFAST — Three men have been arrested after "disgraceful scenes" of disorder and reckless scrambler bike riding in the Stewartstown Road and Falls Road area left a police officer injured and 11 PSNI vehicles damaged.
The trouble began on Saturday morning, when a large number of young people were seen travelling at speed on scrambler-type bikes and e-bikes with faces partially covered, no helmets, and driving "without care for their safety or those around them," the PSNI said.
By Saturday evening, the situation had escalated dramatically. Large crowds of up to 100 people — many in their early teens — gathered, throwing masonry at police. Bins and loading cages were placed across the Stewartstown Road at its junction with Bell Steel Road, with fires set in some bins. The road was closed and the public advised to avoid the area.
The Damage:
11 PSNI vehicles damaged — 10 Land Rovers and one car
One police officer assaulted and injured
A serious assault involving iron bars left a man hospitalised
One scrambler bike seized after police deployed stingers
Arrests Made:
A man arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour
A 27-year-old man arrested for disorderly behaviour and common law riot
A man in his 20s arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behaviour
The 17-year-old rider of the seized scrambler was interviewed for dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance and no number plate — a report will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service
Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson, West Belfast Area Commander, condemned the violence:
"These were disgraceful scenes and we are doing all we can to keep the Colin community safe. We are reviewing evidence gained from last night's disgraceful behaviour and will be making more arrests."
She warned those involved they were "causing destruction" within their own community and urged parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of such behaviour — noting it could result in injury, criminal records, and impact future employment and travel.