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Parents urged to know where their children are after disorder

Claire QuinnBBC News NI
BBC Ruth Brooks. She has dark brown hair tied back and is wearing glasses and a pink t-shirt. She is standing outside, behind her a row of hire bikes can be seen.BBC
Councillor Ruth Brooks said there was a "complete lack of parental responsibility"

Parents have been urged to know where their children are after disturbances in east Belfast on Saturday evening.

Two fast food restaurants had to close at Connswater after large groups of young people gathered in the area following a planned band parade on the Newtownards Road.

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 said after 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.

Brooks said there was disappointment and frustration in the community and a "bit of a heavy cloud over what was a very successful evening".

'Troublemakers are not welcome'

A road with cars driving on it. A McDonald's is on the left with trees lining the street.
Two fast food restaurants had to close at Connswater after large groups of young people gathered in the area

In a statement, Protestant Boys East Belfast band, which organised the parade, said it 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 called on parents and guardians of anyone involved to "speak to them before someone gets badly hurt".

Police said "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," Ch Insp Robinson said.

"We would particularly ask parents and guardians 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."