Police have issued a Christmas Day 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.
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.
It is understood a bike was seized and an arrest made.
Police deal with scramblers in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast on December 25th 2024
Posting to social media local MLA Danny Baker said: “I have been contacted by the PSNI and residents regarding the amount of scramblers on pitches and main roads, particularly in Twinbrook and Poleglass.
“I know there is a lot of excited young people who received presents for Christmas but driving them in our community isn’t safe.
“PSNI have told me that they will seize bikes/scramblers and will arrest.
“I appeal to everyone to bring their bikes home and use them in safe destinations.
“I spoke to a number of people on bikes in Twinbrook and they are going to safely leave the pitch.
“I want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas.”
A local police spokesperson responded on Wednesday afternoon: “We are currently dealing with reports of a number of scramblers in the area of Bell Steele Road.
“These are being ridden on roads and footways and some of the riders are not wearing helmets.
“This is really dangerous!!
“We have deployed the Police Helicopter to the area to help local officers who continue to deal with this issue.
“If you have any information please call us and quote reference 401 of 25th December 2024.”