Police are to increase patrols in west Belfast after four officers were assaulted while responding to reports of anti-social behaviour in Falls Park.
Two PSNI vehicles were also damaged when police arrived at the park in response to a large gathering of young people on Saturday.
It was reported that alcohol was being consumed by children in the gathering, and officers supported by Belfast City Council staff confiscated a “significant amount” of drink.
As police dealt with reports of criminal damage including fires, along with the seizure of a quad bike, officers were assaulted, and damage was caused to the back windscreens of the police vehicles.
Two youngsters aged 12 and 14 were arrested, with one spending the night in custody.
Three teenagers aged 13, 14 and 15 were reported to the PSNI’s Youth Diversion Officer for restorative outcomes, while a number of other youngsters were taken home to their parents and guardians after consuming alcohol.
PSNI Neighbourhood Inspector Róisín Brown said: “While thankfully no officers received any serious injuries and all were able to remain on duty, these assaults to our officers when simply doing their job are not acceptable.
“Officers are trying their best to keep the local community of west Belfast safe and they do not come to work and expect to be assaulted. Assaults on police must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’.”
“We are aware of the ongoing issues in the Falls Park area and continue to listen to the concerns of the local community. This requires a multi-agency approach involving a number of key stakeholders to help deal with this matter and we are committed to finding solutions for the whole community.
She added: “We ask parents and guardians to speak to their young people and to know where they are to prevent them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record. I want to reassure the community that police will continue to carry out additional patrols across west Belfast, and I ask anyone who witnesses anti-social or criminal behaviour to contact police on 101 so that we can respond.”
