Multiple arrests made and ‘more to follow’ following west Belfast disorder

Multiple arrests have been made and more are to follow in the wake of disorder in west Belfast on Saturday, police have said.

It comes after what has been described as the reckless riding of scramblers in the Stewartstown Road and Falls Road areas on Saturday night and disorder during which 11 police vehicles were damaged and one officer assaulted.

Police said a planned policing operation was in place in the area following reports of dangerous driving that morning, when a “large number of young people were seen travelling dangerously and at speed on scrambler-type bikes” that morning.

They said the riders had their faces partially covered, were not wearing helmets and were driving without care for their safety or for those around them.

Disorder then spiralled and bins and loading cages were placed across the junction of Stewartstown Road and Bell Steel Road, some of which were set on fire.

There were also large crowds of up to 100 people, many who appeared to be teenagers, who threw masonry at police.

Police said to date a 27-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour, a 22-year-old man, arrested in connection with a serious assault on Saturday night involving iron bars, has been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries, and a 14-year-old boy, arrested on suspicion of offences including riot and disorderly behaviour, has since been released, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

In addition a 31-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were charged on Tuesday July 14 with a number of offences in relation to a report of three non-legal scramblers being ridden dangerously in the Stewartstown Road area.

Police said a 17-year-old male was also cautioned for a number of motoring offences following this incident.

Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson, West Belfast Area Commander, said further arrests will follow.

“We know the local community is very concerned about what took place in west Belfast on Saturday night – and of ongoing antisocial behaviour in the area,” she said.

“We’re continuing to progress our investigation and to review evidence from the weekend.

“As such, we intend to make further arrests following these shameful scenes.

“Our targeted patrols will subsequently continue in the Stewartstown Road and surrounding areas to detect offenders on bikers who are driving illegally.

“We would reiterate our appeal to parents and guardians to speak to their young people and warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them obtaining a criminal record.”

She added: “We’d also ask that the community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of scrambler-type bikes so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.

“The safety of local communities is paramount and our officers have been working closely alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address these problems.”

Any photos or digital footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam footage, can now be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W20-PO1

Anyone with information can contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 346 of 18/07/26, or call us on 101.