Police came under attack from youths in West Belfast after being lured to the area following reports of a man with a knife.
The officers were called to the Whiterock Road area at 9pm on Saturday to deal with a man supposedly armed with a weapon.
But they were met by a large crowd of youths who attacked their vehicles with stones and paint bombs.
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Chief Inspector Gary Reid said: "Additional police resources were then moved into place in order to both contain the disorder and to divert traffic away from the area. Police maintained a presence in the area until the crowds dispersed at around 10:30pm.
"No arrests have been made at this time and no injuries reported. Several police vehicles sustained damage as a result of the incident."
Chief Inspector Reid added: "This was a deliberate attack on police which not only diverted our resources away from other policing matters in the area but also caused severe disruption to the local community in the Ballymurphy area who have a right to live in peace, and to enjoy their homes. They do not deserve this type of anti-social behaviour.
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"I am appealing for young people to think about the consequences of their actions and all parents and guardians to look out for their children by knowing where they are and ensuring they are not getting involved in anti-social behaviour.
"Police will continue to work alongside local representatives, Belfast City Council, other Emergency Services, voluntary sector, youth sector, Education Authority, Housing Providers and other stakeholders, as we are determined to work together to stop this behaviour which harms communities and also puts the young people themselves at risk.
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"Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist us to contact police at Woodbourne on 101 quoting reference number 1347 06/04/19.
"Alternatively, information can also 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."
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