Five police vehicles were damaged and two officers were injured during Monday night’s disorder
The PSNI said they will continue to engage with local residents and representatives to “prevent further instances” after disorder in West Belfast.
Hundreds of cars and motorbikes met in the Stewartstown Road area of West Belfast on Monday night, May 4, for a meet-up in memory of Shea McGreevy, who died after he fell from his jetski in Lough Neagh on Thursday.
The event was organised by a group on social media calling itself ‘Underground Diffing’, with the meet-up time and location shared in advance. Over 100 vehicles attended the event, with images from the scene showing them speeding and performing donuts in the middle of the busy road.
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Police said they were in attendance from around 7.30pm on Monday night, and “noted cars and scrambler bikes gathered in the area, some of which were engaging in dangerous driving.”
Resources from across Belfast, and a Tactical Support Group unit which had been on deployment in another district, were dispatched to the area.
They said a “large number of people with faces covered” emerged from the crowd, throwing masonry and other projectiles at police. Five police vehicles were damaged and two officers were injured during the disorder.
Police said a fire was started and those in attendance from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service were attacked when they tried to respond, leading to their withdrawal from the area.
Local Sinn Féin MLA, Danny Baker, hit out at the PSNI amid claims they did not take preventative action ahead of the event.
He said: “Last night was the lowest point in my time as a political representative in Colin. Although I knew what was going to happen, I couldn’t prevent it. I had to look on as my community was being destroyed.
“I am angry and sad. I had asked for preventive measures from the PSNI that simply didn’t come.
“The council will have a team out this morning to clean up the mess, but going forward, something has to change.
“Our community is getting a bad name, and much-fought-for resources are being destroyed. Adults involved in or turning a blind eye to their child’s behaviour need to have a long, hard look at themselves.
“We don’t want motorbikes flying up and down the road, or cars drifting and speeding. Enough is enough.”
In a statement, the PSNI said they “acknowledge local concern” regarding the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to prevent further instances of disorder.
West Belfast District Commander, Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson, said: “We acknowledge local concern around this incident and will continue to engage with representatives and residents in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour.
“Those who choose to get involved in this type of disorder are causing destruction within their own community. Their actions impact on their own families, friends and neighbours.
“There is also a wider societal issue to highlight, and we would particularly ask parents and guardians to speak to their children, and make sure that they do not become involved in something which could lead to someone getting seriously hurt.
“Thankfully, the injured officers were able to remain on duty, although the damaged police vehicles will be off the road until they can be repaired.
“Our enquiries are ongoing today. Our Air Support Unit gathered evidence which will now be reviewed by our Public Order Evidence Team. There will be consequences, by way of proactive arrests, for those identified as being involved.
“Anyone who has information, or who can help identify those responsible, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1141 04/05/26.”
A report can be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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