Police probing organised fights in north Belfast

A POLICE vehicle was damaged during an investigation into organised street fights in north Belfast.

Sinn Fein said that a fight between two very young boys was organised on the Bone Hills through social media.

As a result, the organised fight attracted a crowd of around 100.

Said Sinn Fein councillor Gerry McCabe: “The fight then developed into further anti-community trouble in the area and a police vehicle was damaged at the scene.

“Clearly these organised fights are becoming a worrying trend and we are working hard with local schools to stop them.

“I would urge parents to be aware of where your children are and discourage them from attending these fights as they can be caught up in anti-community activity as situations deteriorate.

“I have secured confirmation from the City Council that the measures we have been campaigning for on the Bone Hills will be delivered soon and should decrease these problems.

“They include the removal of shrubbery by the Housing Executive and new tree planting combined with a fence being installed behind local homes.”

He added that he would continue to campaign for leisure facilities in the area for young people.

“But there is no excuse for these organised fights. They must be urgently stopped and I’ll be raising the matter with a range of statutory agencies at the next local meeting.”