Belfast: roads closed as police come under attack from youths for the second night running
Paint and stones were thrown at PSNI officers in the Glenmachan Street area near Broadway
Last updated 17th Jul 2024
A number of roads were closed last night (Tuesday) as police tackled another night of disorder in south Belfast.
Paint and stones were hurled at PSNI officers by youths, some of them masked, in the Glenmachan Street area near Broadway.
At one stage a wheelie bin was set on fire.
It follows a previous night of disruption when police said up to 50 youths attacked them with petrol and paint bombs.
In a statement late last night, the PSNI urged the public to avoid the area.
"Police have closed a number of roads in the south Belfast area this evening, Tuesday 16th July, due to continuing disorder," the statement added
"The Westlink onto Broadway Roundabout country bound has been closed to traffic.
"Closures are also in place at Tates Avenue, Boucher Road, Donegall Road and Donegall Avenue in the direction of Glenmachan Street."
Our Chief Reporter James Gould spoke to SDLP councillor for the area, Paul Doherty.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland condemned the attacks on police officers
PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said officers and police vehicles came under attack from rioters throwing bricks, paint and other missiles.
Mr 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.”
Meanwhile, South Belfast DUP MLA Edwin Poots said tensions in the area have been high for months between young people coming from the west Belfast side of the junction and those from the south Belfast side "hand to hand fighting" and throwing missiles close to a busy road.
He has called for intervention from Belfast City Council and other organisations to create diversionary schemes.
Mr Poots said the situation in the area has been "ongoing from October last year" but had been "taken to a different level" on Monday.