Police and buses attacked in second night of disturbances in West Belfast

Q Newsdesk

Buses have been attacked by youths in West Belfast for the second night in a Row.

A large crowd of young people are reported to have hurled stones at passing buses in the Falls Park area at around 9 last night.

Bottles were then thrown at police officers who arrived on scene to deal with the incident.

As a result the PSNI have vowed to up patrols in the area tonight.

Due to some ASB activity from young people last night, police will have dedicated resources tonight for Dunville Park, Falls Park/City Cemetery and Twinbrook/Poleglass areas. Don’t get caught out, stay away!
Con McM

— PSNI West Belfast (@PSNIBelfastW) 29 December 2018

Inspector Antony Frazer said:

“We received a report at approximately 9.00pm that a group of young people had gathered in the Falls Park area and were throwing stones at buses going past. 

“A large number of young people had gathered and when police attended a number of bottles were hurled at the officers before the crowd was dispersed.

“I would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who can identify those involved in this incident. I would also like to send a message directly to those involved. Stop this senseless and dangerous criminal behaviour. You are risking the safety of everyone aboard these buses, other young people, the elderly and families when you target them like this. A criminal record could impact on your future.

“Anyone who witnessed what occurred should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1385 of 28/12/18.”

It comes after two members of staff  were assaulted on board a Glider bus in the West of the city on Thursday evening.

It's understood a group of youths became "rowdy" when the vehicle was in the Northumberland Street area.

Sergeant Connolly said:

“A number of youths who had boarded the bus were reported to have become rowdy and two members of staff were subsequently assaulted.

“Anyone who witnessed what occurred should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1443 of 27/12/18.  

“Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Unite the Union representative Davy Thompson said:

"This attack exemplifies the way in which public transport workers and others involved in providing vital services face an increased threat at their place of work. Workers have the right to go about their day’s work entirely free from the threat of assault – the right to leave their homes in the expectation that they will be to be safe."

“This assault on these workers is an attack on every worker in Northern Ireland. Our union stands in close solidarity with those attacked."