Edwin Poots suggests ‘removing pedestrian access’ at south Belfast flashpoint to quell rioting

DUP MLA Edwin Poots has made a series of “proposals” to quell any further rioting in south Belfast including “removing pedestrian access between Boucher Road and the Village”.

The politician said he has been “engaging” with residents in south Belfast and police officers in relation to the past two nights of disorder in the area.

Among the other proposals he cited which have been discussed with the local community and PSNI, it also included cameras being installed in the area.

Police attacked with petrol bombs and fireworks during night of disorder in Belfast

Mr Poots, said: “Councillor Tracey Kelly and I have been engaging with the local community in the Village and the PSNI. I am hopeful that we will have a much calmer situation in the area tonight.

“We have put a number of propositions to the Police which will be followed up with other agencies, including cameras at the Broadway interface, removing pedestrian access between Boucher Road and the Village where most of the attacks take place. A number of other proposals were put forward at the request of the community.

“I pay tribute to Sarah and the team from GVRT (Greater Village Regeneration Trust) and all the community groups who are doing so much in the area, alongside the Community organisations Councillor Kelly and myself will continue to fight for this community who just want to live in peace.”

On Monday and Tuesday night officers came under sustained attack by crowds of around 40 people at Glenmachan Street close to the Broadway roundabout.

Children as young as seven were involved in throwing bricks, bottles, masonry, and petrol bombs at police lines during six hours of disorder that saw several police vehicles damaged and officers covered in paint.

A man (38) was arrested in the Broadway area last night.

On Wednesday morning, Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, District Commander for Belfast, said: “Once again we are thankful that no police officers or members of the public were injured however we must be clear, this disorder, which lasted into the early hours of this morning, is completely unacceptable.

“We estimate that around 40 people, most of whom were young teens, were involved and I would urge those young people, and their parents or guardians, to really take time to think about what the consequences of this behaviour could be. The implications for your future could be immense.”