POLICE were on high alert last night after a ‘gather up’ of scores of teenagers in north Belfast for an “arranged fight”.
They turned up along the interfaces at Oldpark Road, Rosepenna and Cliftonpark Avenue areas on Tuesday night.
Sergeant Damien Wilson of Tennent Street PSNI said: “The young people started off being fairly ok, but when some then start running up and down interfaces, through quiet residential streets, and then across main roads, then we have to deal with it.
“It appears that this was started off as an arranged fight between two girls.
“We are possibly aware of at least one of the girls and will be making enquiries into that.
“One young male was taking home to his parents and will reported to our Youth Diversion Officer.
“We are also reviewing CCTV footage of one of our police cars being damaged, and also some near-Road collisions.
“We all agree that young people should be able to gather and be with their friends, but the message has to be that with those rights come responsibilities, both to themselves, and to the local community.
“Respect is the key word. Young persons need to be aware of the choices they make, as they will have consequences, both for the good, and for the bad.
We will continue to patrol the area and speak to the young people, but also deal with them if we have to.”
Sergeant Wilson said that officers spoke to young people who were told to turn at the interface. Asked why, they replied: “‘Cos it said to be here on Facebook.”
He added: “The young people are from all over North Belfast and some of them didn’t even know really were they are and the particular geography of the area, so although it is half term for some schools and young people are entitled to have fun, we are concerned for their safety and that some trouble maker would start something.”
