PSNI officer injured during night of disorder in West Belfast

By Q Radio News

A PSNI officer has been injured and six police vehicles have been damaged following a night of sporadic disorder in West Belfast. 

Disorder broke out at the interface between Lanark Way and Springfield Road last night. 

Police say young people from both sides of the community were involved in the incidents which saw items burnt on the roads and missiles thrown at officers and their vehicles. 

The PSNI is working with community representatives to monitor the area. 

Police were also attacked on Wednesday with fireworks and missiles in the Lanark Way area during an Anti-Northern Ireland Protocol protest. 

Police were attacked during an anti-protocol protest on Wednesday in the Lanark Way area - Pic Alan Lewis

Chief Inspector Fox said, “People need to take greater responsibility for the messages that they post and share over social media sites that only seek to heighten community tensions and bring young people out on to the streets to engage in violence.

“Regrettably, once again, as a result of public disorder in the Lanark and Springfield Road areas, a police officer has been injured and further damage has been caused to police vehicles.

"I would urge the young people who have been involved in this activity previously, and their parents, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on the local community, but also on their own futures.

"These actions have serious consequences. My message is simple, walk away and don’t get involved in any trouble.

“I want to thank local community representatives who worked with us to restore calm and minimise the impact on the local community.

"I would again reassure the local community that we maintain the capability and resource to deal with any further disturbances and address any community concerns. Neighbourhood officers will be out conducting high visibility patrols across the areas to prevent and detect crime.”