Seven people – including two teens – who had been arrested after overnight trouble in Belfast at the weekend have been released on bail, police confirmed.
Anti-social behaviour broke out in the Broadway area early on Sunday morning.
A senior PSNI officer said the disorder was “completely unacceptable”.
In an update on Monday, a PSNI spokesperson said all seven “have all been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted”.
“The investigation is ongoing and officers would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or captured dash-cam footage from the area which could be of assistance to their investigation to contact them in Musgrave, quoting reference number 55 26/01/25,” they added.
Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
On Sunday, west Belfast Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton said: “Shortly after 12.30am, it was reported that a group of men were throwing flares and masonry.
“Our officers promptly attended and arrested five men aged 31, 27, 23, 22, 21, and two males aged 17 on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
Chief Inspector Hamilton continued: “This type of behaviour causes fear within our communities. Whilst we are thankful that no members of the public or police officers were injured during this incident, this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to take action and provide a visible policing presence in the area and I would encourage you to report incidents of anti-social behaviour.”
Sinn Féin MP for the area Paul Maskey has branded the behaviour “disgraceful” and welcomed the arrests.
“Thankfully, no one was injured during this disorder, although clearly this could have resulted in a much more serious incident,” he said.
“I welcome the swift response by police in arresting seven suspects who are continuing to assist with inquiries in custody.
“This kind of behaviour is disgraceful and unwanted – local residents deserve to live in peace, free from trouble, threats and violence.”
News Catch Up – Sunday 26 January