Disorder on Stewartstown and Falls roads prompts police operation
Police have condemned what they described as “disgraceful scenes” in west Belfast after widespread disorder linked to dangerous riding of scrambler-type bikes and e-bikes in the Stewartstown Road and Falls Road area. A PSNI officer was injured, 11 police vehicles were damaged and three arrests were made as officers moved to respond to incidents that began on Saturday and continued into the evening.
The PSNI said an operation targeting dangerous driving was initiated on Saturday morning after a large number of young people were observed travelling at speed, many with faces covered and no helmets, showing little regard for their own safety or that of bystanders. Officers reported that bins and loading cages were used to obstruct part of Stewartstown Road at its junction with Bell Steel Road, and fires were lit using some of those bins. The route was closed for a period and the public were advised to avoid the area.
Large crowds, missiles thrown and vehicles targeted
According to police, crowds of up to 100 people, many in their early teens, gathered during the disorder and some individuals threw masonry at officers. In total, 10 Land Rovers and one police car sustained damage. One officer was assaulted.
Police deployed stingers to halt a number of vehicles and seized a scrambler. A 17-year-old rider was interviewed on suspicion of dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance and no number plate, with a report to be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.
Arrests and ongoing evidence gathering
Three men were arrested in connection with the incidents. The PSNI said evidence gathering is under way to identify additional individuals involved. Politicians and police have condemned the disorder.
| Arrest | Age | Suspected offences |
|---|---|---|
| Male 1 | Not stated | Disorderly behaviour |
| Male 2 | 27 | Disorderly behaviour; common law riot |
| Male 3 | In his 20s | Assault; disorderly behaviour |
Separately, police reported a serious assault involving iron bars. A man was taken to hospital and a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of assault and disorderly behaviour.
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.” She added: “These were disgraceful scenes and we are doing all we can to keep”
Impact on residents and local services
The closure of Stewartstown Road and the deployment of significant police resources caused disruption for residents and those travelling through the area on Saturday evening. The incidents, which included the lighting of fires and obstruction of a major route, drew crowds and created hazards for pedestrians, motorists and emergency service personnel.
Police emphasised concerns over the manner of riding by a number of young people on scramblers and e-bikes. Officers said many were riding at speed, faces partially covered and without protective helmets, a combination that elevates the risk of serious injury and complicates identification efforts. The PSNI has committed to further enquiries aimed at identifying others involved in the disorder and the criminal damage to police vehicles.
What residents should know
- Officers recorded 11 damaged police vehicles and one injured officer after sustained disorder on Saturday evening.
- Three arrests were made for offences including disorderly behaviour, common law riot and assault; further identifications are being pursued.
- Road users experienced closures on Stewartstown Road near Bell Steel Road due to fires and obstructions.
Police said they are continuing to gather evidence from the scene and from footage to track down additional suspects linked to the incidents in west Belfast. The PSNI reiterated that the behaviour witnessed over the weekend placed both participants and bystanders at risk and has pledged a sustained response.
