Teen thugs ran riot in a city cemetery and damaged headstones during a night of disruption on Saturday.
PSNI officers were attacked by the youths when they responded to reports of a stolen motorcycle being driven around Belfast city cemetery.
The gang hurled glass bottles, bricks and stones at the police when they arrived at the scene, Belfast Live reports.
An investigation into the antisocial behaviour has begun and PSNI have urged parents to have a word with their children.
Inspector Natalie McNally said: "The behaviour of the youths on Saturday was an absolute disgrace. They have no thought or respect for anyone.
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"A graveyard is a place where grieving families come to pay their respects to their loved ones; a place where they can feel close to those they have lost.
"I would ask these youths to take a moment and ask themselves how they would feel if the grave of someone they loved was damaged as a result of this type of wanton behaviour.
"Imagine coming into the graveyard and being confronted by this damage, it would be devastating.
"The people of west Belfast do not want this. Everyone should be free to live in peace and not be afraid to go outside because of groups of intimidating youths.
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Inspector McNally continued: "I do not believe these youths are representative of the youth of west Belfast. Over the coming days we will be working to identify those involved.
"I would appeal to the parents or guardians of those involved to please talk to their children and warn them of the repercussions of their actions and the impact it is having on the whole of the community.
"If they receive a criminal record this may limit their ability to travel abroad, prevent them getting into university and exclude them from certain professions in the future.
I would appeal to anyone who has any information that could help us with our enquiries, to contact police at Woodbourne on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1353 11/05/19.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
