Police Appeal For Calm Following Trouble Across Belfast

Police have appealed for calm following a night of disorder in Belfast.

Trouble began in the Markets area of Belfast on Monday afternoon after contractors removed bonfire material collected for an anti-internment bonfire.

It is understood that police were attacked with petrol bombs, stones and other missiles, and two cars were destroyed when they were set on fire.

A former credit union building on Ross Road in west Belfast was also set on fire, with police assisting the fire service in tackling the blaze.

Alliance Councillor, Emmet McDonough Brown, condemned those behind the series of vandalism attacks in the Markets area as "thugs who have no place in the community".

He said: "There is no excuse for this type of behaviour and I would appeal for calm in the local area as we head into this evening.

"Anti-social behaviour of any kind is never acceptable and those behind this latest attack on the people of Belfast must recognise their actions will only serve to make the local community stronger, as they stand in the face of those attempting to bring fear and intimidation back onto the streets.

"Belfast is a thriving, cosmopolitan city and we cannot allow the thugs behind these recent attacks to detract from the positive image of Belfast that attracts investors and tourists alike."

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Market area, Deirdre Hargey, also slammed those responsible for damaging several cars on Stewart Street.

Councillor Hargey said: "The damage to cars in Stewart Street is unacceptable and I condemn those responsible in the strongest possible way.

"Both commuters and residents have been affected. Cars have been smashed with stones and several have been set alight. It is nothing short of mindless vandalism.

"Over the weekend there were a series of incidents of vandalism in the Market area. This has seen the local Sure Start facility damaged resulting in the main gate into the facility being destroyed.

"There is no defending this behaviour at all and it needs to stop now. I'm asking all parents to take responsibility for their children and know where they are at all times.

"The community does not want this type of behaviour and it's not representative of the people of this area.

"The community, both young and old, have been involved in a positive community festival over the last few days and those involved in this negative behaviour damage the good reputation of this community."

(MH/JP)