PSNI up officer numbers in Belfast over Easter after anti-social trouble
The PSNI will increase the number of officers it has on the streets of Belfast after recent anti-social behaviour in the area.
Up to 70 young people were involved on Saturday night in West Belfast, when police were attacked as they tried to make an arrest.
Superintendent Robert Murdy said his officers would need help from local people in curbing the problem.
"This is not just disgraceful, but dangerous behaviour and it really has to stop," he said.
"It's not just about a police operation, parents and guardians also have a responsibility to know where their young people are and what they're doing.
"Anti-social behaviour blights communities and it affects more negatively those who are most vulnerable within those communities.
"We've come across youths as young as 10 years of age up to around 14 or 15-year-olds."
It is an issue which is being taken seriously enough to beef up the officer numbers over the Easter holiday period.
"What we're doing along with our partner agencies is we're having a coordinated presence across Belfast in the coming days to deter young people from becoming involved in this disgraceful behaviour," he said.
"We're anticipating a rise in anti-social behaviour this weekend.
"We're anticipating a rise in anti-social behaviour this weekend."
"That's why we're having this dedicated police presence within specific areas, public parks and spaces right across Belfast.
"That's not just about police, it's also about working with our colleagues within Belfast City Council and with local community representatives."