Two police officers were injured while dealing with anti-social behaviour in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on Christmas Day.
One officer had a glass bottle thrown at him and another was kicked multiple times during the incident.
A police car was also damaged and one man has since been arrested.
Police issued a warning after officers were tasked to a ‘really dangerous’ incident in west Belfast involving 15 scrambler bikes.
PSNI staff were deployed to pitches in the Twinbrook area of the city shortly before 11am following reports of motorbikes on the wrong side of the road.
A police helicopter was scrambled and an evidence-gathering operation mounted.
Police deal with scramblers in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on December 25th 2024
Several scramblers could be seen tearing up a grass area and performing wheelies on the wrong side of the road.
It is understood some of the bikes were brought to the area in vans and flat-bed vehicles from the nearby Lisburn area.
Officers withdrew from the area shortly after 1.45pm before returning again at 3pm.
Inspector McCann said: “We received a number of reports of multiple scramblers being driven in the Bell Steele Road, Glenbawn and Stewartstown Road areas at around 11am.
“Officers attended and were surrounded by a large group of people in the Glasvey Drive area, who assaulted two of our officers. One of the officers had a glass bottle thrown at him, cutting his hand. A second officer was kicked multiple times. A police car was also damaged during the incident.
“One man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of a number of driving offences, including dangerous driving and use of a motorcycle failing to wear protective headgear. He has since been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.”
Police deal with scramblers in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on December 25th 2024
Inspector McCann continued: “We are lucky we are not looking at a much more serious incident. Our officers work tirelessly to protect our communities and do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“We urge the public to think about their use of scramblers and to learn the legalities surrounding their use. Scramblers do not generally comply with construction and use legislation and vehicle standards, so are therefore restricted to off-road use only.
“An investigation has been launched to identify the suspects, and we would appeal to anyone who can help identify those in the area at the time, or with dashcam or doorbell footage, to contact police on 101 and quote reference 401 of 25/12/24.”
Police deal with scramblers in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on December 25th 2024
A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.