23/10/2025
Police Appeal For Parental Intervention Following North Belfast Disorder
Police attended the Townsend Street area of north Belfast on Tuesday evening, 21 October 2025, following reports of crowds gathering and engaging in disorderly behaviour.
Chief Inspector Paddy Mullan confirmed that the disorder involved sporadic fights and the throwing of items. This resulted in criminal damage, with the back windscreen of one vehicle parked on Townsend Street being broken, and another vehicle also sustaining damage.
Chief Inspector Mullan stated that police are now investigating the incidents as criminal damage and are appealing for information from the public. He confirmed that the police are engaging with local representatives and the wider community to prevent further instances of disorder.
The Chief Inspector made a direct appeal to parents: "We would particularly ask parents to speak to their children so they do not become involved in such behaviour."
However, he also stressed that the issue requires a broader response, noting that "work is required from all agencies in terms of the establishing the root causes of this behaviour and prevention, for instance through youth diversionary and support programmes."
He encouraged local residents to report all incidents of disorder or anti-social behaviour to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, ensuring that positive action can be taken to support the community.
Chief Inspector Paddy Mullan confirmed that the disorder involved sporadic fights and the throwing of items. This resulted in criminal damage, with the back windscreen of one vehicle parked on Townsend Street being broken, and another vehicle also sustaining damage.
The Chief Inspector made a direct appeal to parents: "We would particularly ask parents to speak to their children so they do not become involved in such behaviour."
However, he also stressed that the issue requires a broader response, noting that "work is required from all agencies in terms of the establishing the root causes of this behaviour and prevention, for instance through youth diversionary and support programmes."
He encouraged local residents to report all incidents of disorder or anti-social behaviour to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, ensuring that positive action can be taken to support the community.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.