Parents urged to know where their children are after disorder
Parents have been strongly urged to be aware of their children's whereabouts following disturbances in east Belfast on Saturday evening.
Two fast food restaurants were forced to close at Connswater after large groups of young people gathered in the area subsequent to a planned band parade on the Newtownards Road.
During the incident, a window was smashed and there were reports of assaults.
"The message on this is - parents, where are your children?" Democratic Unionist Party councillor Ruth Brooks said.
"They're causing issues with residents, with the local community, with youth workers who are trying to keep our own youth safe here, and also for policing."
Brooks stated that following the band parade there was "a complete lack of parental responsibility for some of the individuals who came down here purely to just cause chaos".
"This was a really successful band parade, it is an annual event, it is a celebration of culture - it is these kinds of scenes that distract from what is otherwise a fantastic night," she said.
She added that there was disappointment and frustration within the community, resulting in "a bit of a heavy cloud over what was a very successful evening".
'Troublemakers are not welcome'
In a statement, the Protestant Boys East Belfast band, which organised the parade, unreservedly condemned "any trouble, disorder, or antisocial behaviour from young people".
"Such actions do not represent us, our band, or the vast majority who attend to celebrate with pride and dignity," the statement said.
"This is not a parade issue, this is a societal issue.
"Troublemakers are not welcome at our parade."
The band urged parents and s of anyone involved to "speak to them before someone gets badly hurt".
Police reported that "additional evidence was gathered at the scene" which would now be reviewed.
"There will be consequences, by way of proactive arrests, for those identified as being involved in offences," Chief Inspector Robinson said.
"We would particularly ask parents and s 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."
