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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Sarah Scott

PSNI statement after one officer injured in sporadic disorder in West Belfast

One police officer was injured during sporadic disorder in West Belfast on Friday night.

Police said disorder broke out involving young people in the Lanark and Springfield Road areas on November 5.

Items were burnt on the roads and missiles were thrown at police officers and police vehicles.

One police officer was injured and six police vehicles damaged.

It comes as anti-protocol messaging was circulating on social media on Friday, "calling all Loyalists" to join a series of protests in the Lanark Way and Springfield Road areas.

On Wednesday night up to 100 youths and young adults attacked police following the loyalist demonstration over the Irish Sea border.

Police are working with community representatives to continue to monitor the area.

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.”

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