Three arrests and officer injured in ‘disgraceful scenes’ in west Belfast

Three men have been arrested after “disgraceful scenes” in west Belfast, with police committing to tracking down further individuals involved.

Incidents of disorder and reckless riding of scrambler bikes in the wider Stewartstown Road and Falls Road area have been condemned by the PSNI and politicians.

A police officer was injured and several PSNI vehicles were damaged in the incidents.

The PSNI said it had launched an operation relating to dangerous driving from Saturday morning with a “large number of young people seen travelling at speed and dangerously on scrambler-type bikes”.

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

It said evidence gathering is taking place to identify those responsible.

Bins and loading cages were placed across part of the Stewartstown Road at its junction with Bell Steel Road, with fires being set from some of those bins.

The road was closed for a time and the public was advised to avoid the area.

The PSNI said large crowds of up to 100 people gathered, many aged in their early teens, throwing masonry at police with 11 police vehicles damaged – 10 Land Rovers and one car – on Saturday evening and one officer was assaulted.

One male was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and a man aged 27 was arrested for disorderly behaviour and common law riot.

A serious assault involving iron bars resulted in a man being taken to hospital, with a man in his 20s arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behaviour.

Police used stingers on a number of vehicles and a scrambler was seized. 

Its 17-year-old rider was interviewed for dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance and no number plate – with a report to be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.

Chief Inspector Kelly Gibson, West Belfast Area Commander, said: “We know the level of local concern on last night’s incident and on previous nights of dangerous and risk-taking behaviour.

“These were disgraceful scenes and we are doing all we can to keep the Colin community safe.

“We are reviewing evidence gained from last night’s disgraceful behaviour and will be making more arrests.”

Chief Inspector Gibson added: “Targeted patrols will continue in the Stewartstown Road and other areas to detect offenders on bikers who are driving illegally and dangerously.”

The senior police officer warned those involved they were “causing destruction” within their own community.

“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities and this must stop.

“Parents and guardians, speak to your young people and warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel.”

Earlier this week, a 31-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were charged with a number of offences in relation to a report of three non-legal scramblers being ridden dangerously in the Stewartstown Road area.

A 17-year-old male was cautioned for a number of motoring offences following that incident.