Alderman Jim Rodgers condemns buying drink for young people

POLICE are investigating reports that children as young as 12 were among a 250-strong teen mob who took part in an illegal rave in a Belfast public park.

Many were said to have been drinking alcohol, with police reportedly coming under attack from stones and bottles as they tried to disperse the crowd. A 16-year-old girl was arrested for public order offences but later released.

Belfast City Council said that on Sunday morning park wardens found broken bottles, a small fire burning in the service yard, masses of litter and an overturned bottle bank at Dixon playing fields.

Local UUP councillor Jim Rodgers said the trouble could mean the opening hours of the park being restricted to curb ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Some parents are even said to be stopping off at off-licences to go in and get the drink, as the children were too young,” he said.

“Then they come out and drive the kids to the park. We as a council need to stop this happening.”