Mladi su na ulicama Belfasta dok se 'zidobranstvo' baca na policiju, a kontejneri se zapali

Police arrested three men after violent disorder broke out in west Belfast, with youths throwing objects at officers and setting bins and vehicles ablaze. The incident occurred on Saturday evening along Stewartstown Road and Falls Road, resulting in one officer being injured and 11 PSNI vehicles sustaining damage. Large crowds, many thought to be teenagers, gathered and hurled masonry at police during the unrest. The disturbance followed a police operation targeting dangerous riding by scrambler bikes and e-bikes earlier that day. Officers observed a "large number of young people" traveling at high speeds on such vehicles, often with faces partially covered and without proper safety gear. As the operation progressed, bins and loading cages were placed across Stewartstown Road near Bell Steel Road, prompting some to be set on fire, temporarily closing the road. Crowds of up to 100 individuals assembled during the evening, with 10 Land Rovers and a police car damaged after officers faced attacks. During the chaos, one man was detained on suspicion of disorderly behavior, while a 27-year-old was taken into custody on similar charges and for common law riot. A third individual, in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behavior following a severe assault involving iron bars that left a man hospitalized. Police also deployed stingers to immobilize several vehicles and confiscated a scrambler bike. An 17-year-old rider of the seized vehicle was questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving and other motoring offenses, with a report to be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service. Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson expressed condemnation over the violence, stating that the incidents represented "disgraceful scenes." She emphasized that those responsible would be identified and held accountable, noting that the force was reviewing evidence collected during the disturbances and anticipated additional arrests. Gibson also highlighted ongoing concerns within the local community regarding repeated instances of risky behavior and urged parents and guardians to caution youth against engaging in such activities. Targeted patrols are continuing in the Stewartstown Road area to monitor illegal and hazardous use of bicycles, according to the PSNI. Officials reiterated the need for vigilance and parental involvement in preventing young people from participating in dangerous conduct. The situation underscores the persistent challenges authorities face in managing public order and ensuring road safety amid increasing reports of reckless cycling and associated disruptions.