Police update after last nights disorder in Belfast

Police have held a press briefing after disorder in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on Friday night. A total of fifteen officers were injured, and eight people were arrested including six teenagers.

Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said:

“Police were in attendance in Sandy Row last evening, (Friday, 2 April) when a small local protest quickly developed into an attack on police officers. “A total of fifteen officers were injured after being subjected to a sustained attack by rioters who threw a number of objects at police, including heavy masonry, metal rods, fireworks and manhole covers. Their injuries include burns, head and leg injuries. As a result we now have four officers who cannot report for duty as a result of their injuries.” Chief Superintendent Walls continued:

“The majority of those involved in the disorder last night were young people. In fact two of the eight people arrested were two young boys aged 13 and 14. By engaging in this type of behaviour they are not only risking their safety, they are also risking their futures. Chief Superintendent Walls concluded:

“I understand there are significant tensions and unease in some communities. My job is to keep people safe and I would ask that anyone who has any influence in communities – whether parents, guardians, community or elected representatives – please, use that influence to ensure young people are kept safe and away from harm. “Local communities deserve to live in safe and peaceful areas, free from rioting and violence.”

The ages and gender of those arrested are as follows: 13 year old boy 14 year old boy 17 year old male youth 18 year old male 19 year old male 19 year old female 21 year old male 25 year old male

Northern Ireland Secretary of State commented on the disorder:

“The unrest we saw last night is completely unacceptable. Violence is never the answer. There is no place for it in society. It is unwanted, unwarranted and I fully support the PSNI appeal for calm.

“My thoughts are with the officers injured.”