Large groups of young people gathered in the Connswater area on Saturday evening
Police in attendance in the Connswater area of East Belfast on Saturday night(Image: NI Emergency Response Vids)
Young people smashed the window of a fast food restaurant during disorder in East Belfast on Saturday night.
Police were in attendance at the planned East Belfast Protestant Boys parade in the Newtownards Road area on Saturday evening, May 9.
The parade passed off peacefully, but police received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour and altercations in the surrounding area.
READ MORE: Police attend disorder as young people gather in Connswater area of East BelfastREAD MORE: Four young people detained as derelict Belfast shopping centre becomes anti-social behaviour hotspot
Two fast food restaurants in the Connswater area closed due to large groups of young people gathering, with a window in one restaurant being smashed.
Police said their enquiries are ongoing and they will continue to engage with local representatives to help prevent further instances of anti-social behaviour.
PSNI Chief Inspector Robinson said: “A number of reports were received around the parade, which largely passed off peacefully, of anti-social behaviour and altercations.
“Two fast food restaurants in the Connswater area had to close after large groups of young people gathered in the area, engaged in disorderly behaviour and smashed one of the windows.
“Officers attended and dispersed the crowds, and remained in the area for a time to ensure calm.”
Chief Inspector Robinson continued: “Enquiries are ongoing into individual reports of criminal damage and assault, while additional evidence was gathered at the scene 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 in offences.
“We will continue to engage with local representatives and the wider community in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour.
“We would particularly ask parents and guardians to speak to their children so they know where they are, and to play their part in ensuring that they do not become involved in such reckless behaviour that could lead to someone getting hurt.”
The disorder follows ongoing incidents of young people travelling to the area in recent weeks for arranged fights and anti-social behaviour. Many of these incidents have been centred around the derelict Connswater Shopping Centre.
Speaking to Belfast Live, local DUP councillor Ruth Brooks, who had raised concerns with the PSNI earlier this week after reports circulating online about potential arranged fights, said: “The trouble involving a small minority at CS Lewis Square should not take away from what was otherwise a successful and well-supported East Belfast Protestant Boys parade.
“There have been ongoing issues with detached youth who travel to East Belfast for the purposes of stirring up trouble and disorder. This is becoming an increasing challenge and has caused issues for residents, youth workers, local communities and, tonight, for parade organisers and those attending responsibly.
“The overwhelming majority of those attending tonight’s parade came to enjoy the occasion responsibly and support a long-standing cultural event within the community.”
Last month, four young people were detained by police at the former Connswater Shopping Centre for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage after entering the derelict site.
A PSNI spokesperson added: “Anyone who has information, or who can help identify those responsible, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1119 10/05/26.
“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.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
