Plea for calm after Belfast youths attack police and cars in Bonfire site fury

By David Hunter

A number of cars have been damaged by young people throwing stones in the Markets area of South Belfast. 

Police say they're attending the scene in the Stewart Street area. 

It's understood the rampage may have been triggered by the removal of Republican Bonfire Materials early this morning.

Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: “Police are dealing with some localised disorder in the Friendly Street area of the Markets, which has been caused by a small group of youths. 

“We are working with local representatives and members of the community to address the situation.

“There has been some stone –throwing, damage to parked cars and a number of petrol bombs have also been thrown. 

“Local residents of the Markets do not want this kind of activity on their doorsteps and we would urge those engaged in violence and criminal damage to stop – and go home.”

Police and the media targeted in the Markets area of Belfast pic.twitter.com/7jpfAJixW8

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 7, 2017

PSNI officers in riot gear move in to end the disorder in the Markets pic.twitter.com/3Gjjnem9cp

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 7, 2017

Just yards from the grounds of Belfast's Central Railway Station another car goes up in smoke... pic.twitter.com/wmoytFvvOE

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 7, 2017

Sinn Féin Councillor for the area, Deirdre Hargey, said: “The damage to cars in Stewart Street is unacceptable and I condemn those responsible in the strongest possible way.
 
"Both commuters and residents have been affected. Cars have been smashed with stones and several have been set alight. It is nothing short of mindless vandalism.

"Over the weekend there were a series of incidents of vandalism in the Market area. This has seen the local Sure Start facility damaged resulting in the main gate into the facility being destroyed.

"I'm asking all parents to take responsibility for their children and know where they are at all times.
 
"The community does not want this type of behaviour and it's not representative of the people of this area.

Meanwhile in the Divis area of the Lower Falls Road, a derelict Credit Union building was set alight.

Police Service of Northern Ireland superintendent Andrea McMullan blamed the "localised" disorder on a "small group of youths".

The force tweeted: "Police urge for calm to remain after dealing with some localised disorder in Belfast tonight incl blaze at disused building in Divis.

"Thanks to all those in affected communities who helped settle tensions. People living there do not want this type of behaviour."

The disorder was heavily condemned by local politicians.

Sinn Fein councillor for the Markets area Deirdre Hargey said: "The damage to cars in Stewart Street is unacceptable and I condemn those responsible in the strongest possible way.

"Both commuters and residents have been affected. Cars have been smashed with stones and several have been set alight. It is nothing short of mindless vandalism."

Ms Hargey said there had been other incidents of vandalism over the weekend.

"There is no defending this behaviour at all and it needs to stop now," she said.