Police Concern Over Organised Fights

Police are concerned about a number of organised fights that have been taking place in north Belfast.

The PSNI says groups of young people have been involved in fights in Brougham Street and the Waterworks park over the past weekends.

They said some of those involved were armed with knives and hammers.

Local community worker Gerry O'Reilly of the Community Bridges Project, Duncairn Gardens, says the fights have been organised through social media.

He said people were being invited to come and watch.

"There are concerns that these young people are not aware of the weapons which may be present at the scene of the proposed fight site and that they are also unaware of the geography of the area which may include an interface," Mr O'Reilly said.

Harry Smith, a fellow representative from the Community Bridges Project in Tigers Bay added: "Parents need to take responsibility regarding the whereabouts of their children and in supervising access to social networking sites.

"There are fears that should this behaviour continue, a young person may lose their life. This would have a devastating impact on communities."

Police say carrying weapons can lead to six months behind bars and a £5,000 fine.

Sergeant Brian Caskey of the PSNI warned those carrying weapons could end up with a criminal conviction.

(IT/GK)