Police and a local councillor have urged parents to “play their part” following antisocial behaviour involving children as young as 11 in east Belfast.
The disorder coincided with an East Belfast Protestant Boys parade in the area on Saturday evening, which police say “largely passed off peacefully”.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the East Belfast Protestant Boys said they “unreservedly condemn any trouble, disorder, or antisocial behaviour from young people around our parade”.
It is understood groups of young people arrived to the Connswater area around teatime – many of which coming from further afield via various transport links – and that a fight had been arranged to take place at CS Lewis Square over social media.
A PSNI Tactical Support Group arrived a soon time later.
It follows ongoing incidents of young people travelling to the area in recent weeks for arranged fights and anti-social behaviour.
Titanic DUP councillor Ruth Brooks, who had raised concerns with the PSNI earlier this week following reports circulating online about potential arranged fights, said Saturday’s incident “points to pre-arranged fighting organised through WhatsApp groups and individuals who came to east Belfast primarily for the purpose of causing disorder”.
She added: “The reality is that police are operating far below the numbers needed to properly deal with these kinds of ongoing issues. Neighbourhood policing teams are stretched, and communities and youth workers are feeling that pressure as well.
“Youth workers are often left trying to step into difficult situations and pick up the pieces afterwards, but this cannot fall solely on them or on police.
“Ultimately, there is also a degree of parental responsibility here. Some of these children are 11, 12 and 13 years old. Parents need to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are getting involved in.”
Speaking about Saturday’s disorder, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police were in attendance at a planned parade in the Newtownards Road area of east Belfast on Saturday evening, May 9.
“A number of reports were received around the parade, which largely passed off peacefully, of anti-social behaviour and altercations.
“Two fast food restaurants in the Connswater area had to close after large groups of young people gathered in the area, engaged in disorderly behaviour and smashed one of the windows.
“Officers attended and dispersed the crowds, and remained in the area for a time to ensure calm.”
The spokesperson continued: “Enquiries are ongoing into individual reports of criminal damage and assault, while additional evidence was gathered at the scene which will now be reviewed by our Public Order Evidence Team.
“There will be consequences, by way of proactive arrests, for those identified as being involved in offences.
“We will continue to engage with local representatives and the wider community in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour.
“We would particularly ask parents and guardians to speak to their children so they know where they are, and to play their part in ensuring that they do not become involved in such reckless behaviour that could lead to someone getting hurt.
The spokesperson added: ”Anyone who has information, or who can help identify those responsible, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1119 10/05/26.”
In their statement, the East Belfast Protestant Boys added: “We unreservedly condemn any trouble, disorder, or antisocial behaviour from young people around our parade. Such actions do not represent us, our band, or the vast majority who attend to celebrate with pride and dignity. They disrespect the hard work our members put in year-round and damage the reputation of a tradition that means so much to so many.
“Let us make this clear. This is NOT a parade issue, this is a societal issue. Parades are about respect — respect for our culture, respect for our community, and respect for each other. We call on all parents, families, and supporters to help us protect that. Our traditions survive because we uphold standards.
“We will continue to work with community leaders, statutory agency’s and the PSNI to ensure our parades remain safe, family-friendly celebrations of our culture. We ask every young person involved to remember: you carry the name of your community – represent it well or stay at home.
“The Protestant Boys East Belfast remain committed to preserving our parades, our music, and our traditions for the next generation — and we will not let the actions of a few undermine that for the many.
“We want to make this very clear. Trouble makers are not welcome at our parade, or any parade for that matter. Parents, guardians, uncles, aunts, grandparents and siblings, if you know of anyone involved we implore you, speak to them before someone gets badly hurt.”