Police in Dunmurry warn of more arrests following disturbances in Poleglass

Sergeant Brannigan of Dunmurry Neighbourhood Policing Team explained, “On August 8 2014, police attended the Good Shepherd Road and discovered burning barricades had been placed across the street.

“This could have prevented access for other emergency services including Northern Ireland Fire Service and ambulance crews, and in effect was putting local residents who may have needed these services at risk.

“On arrival of police they were subjected to ongoing, sustained and vicious attack from a large group of youths who had gathered.”

Police gathered video evidence at the scene and have spent a number of months making enquiries about the identity of those suspected to have been involved in the incident.

Since Friday, six people have been arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour, one was also arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.

All of the arrests were carried out as a result of a proactive policing operation by Dunmurry Neighbourhood officers.

Six people, four of them juveniles, are due to appear in court as a result of this investigation.

Sgt Brannigan said that the operation is ongoing and described it as a ‘painstaking task’ but a very thorough investigation by officers in Dunmurry.

“It is an example of how police will, with great determination, apprehend anyone who is suspected of taking part in any type of behaviour which impacts negatively and causes danger to the local community,” he said.

“More arrests are expected in relation to this operation and I would advise anyone intent on such behaviour in the future to think very carefully, because as this investigation shows, police will deal with offenders in a robust manner and there will be consequences to your actions.”