A 38-year-old man has been arrested following a second night of disorder in south Belfast.
Petrol bombs, paint and bottles were thrown at police by a crowd of around 40 young people in the Broadway area on Tuesday night shortly after 7pm.
Masked youths had gathered in the Village area of the city with a bin set on fire and a number of fireworks let off during the disturbances, which police said mostly involved “young teens”.
It has been reported that older males were seen encouraging young children, some understood to be aged seven or eight to get involved.
No injuries were reported and calm was restored in the area shortly before 2am on Wednesday.
It comes after bricks and bottles were also thrown at police on Monday night.
In a statement on Wednesday, PSNI Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay said: “Once again we are thankful that no police officers or members of the public were injured, however, we must be clear, this disorder, which lasted into the early hours of this morning, is completely unacceptable.
“We estimate that around 40 people, most of whom were young teens, were involved and I would urge those young people, and their parents or guardians, to really take time to think about what the consequences of this behaviour could be.
“The implications for your future could be immense.”
He said officers will continue to patrol the area on Wednesday night, adding that police will continue to work with partner agencies, local representatives and the community to prevent further disorder and disruption.
“I would encourage local people to report any and all incidents of antisocial behaviour - the more we know, the more we can do to support people and take positive action,” he said.
A number of roads were closed on Tuesday night, but have since reopened.
Police also said on Wednesday that debris remained on roads in the area as the clean-up operation continued.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) condemned the attacks on police officers.
PFNI chair Liam Kelly said: “This behaviour that we have seen over two nights in the Village-Broadway area is wholly destructive and pointless.
“People living in the immediate area of this disorder have had their lives turned upside down with damage caused to properties.
“Thankfully, our officers have escaped injury in these vicious attacks. They have succeeded in holding the line and restoring peace to this area.
“There is no excuse for the violent scenes we have witnessed or the wilful and mindless targeting of officers who are doing their best to protect the entire community.
“This street disorder has to stop. Nothing can be gained by rival groups inflicting such upheaval on families living in this area.
“Our officers will continue to maintain the rule of law and conduct professional policing operations until the gangs engaged in this street violence desist.”
