Police came under attack after responding to reports of a gathering of youths in east Belfast on Friday evening.

Shortly after 10pm on 21 August, officers attended the area and a number of missiles were thrown at them and their vehicles. No officers were injured, and the rival factions left the scene.

The following evening, at around 8:30pm on 22 August, rival groups gathered at the Bryson Street and Pitt Park areas. Bottles and stones were thrown between them.

Inspector Moutray of the PSNI said police worked with local community representatives to reduce tensions and maintained a presence until the youths dispersed. He added that the PSNI will continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address the issue, but warned that some people are still ignoring repeated appeals and warnings.

Inspector Moutray said young people who engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and has to stop. He stressed that the aim is not to criminalise young people, but if offences are identified, police will deal with them robustly.

He urged parents and guardians to take an active role in preventing young people from becoming involved, to know where their children are, who they are with, what they are doing, and what they are arranging on social media accounts.