Anti-Social Behaviour Sparks Fear Among Ethnic Minorities, Elderly in Belfast, Derry

Residents in a new housing estate in Derry and communities in south Belfast are facing escalating anti-social behavior incidents, including drug use, noise disturbances, and violent acts such as stabbings and assaults. In south Belfast, young people have been gathering on Donegall Pass, throwing items like bottles and water balloons at members of the public, with ethnic minorities, elderly individuals, and vulnerable young women particularly targeted and left feeling unsafe. Police have made arrests related to violent incidents and are actively investigating reports of assaults and public order offenses while urging the community to report incidents promptly. Authorities emphasize the importance of parental supervision to prevent youth criminalization and encourage cooperation to end the disruptive behavior. The police stress their commitment to keeping the public safe while balancing the need to avoid unnecessary criminalization of young offenders. Community members are being encouraged to contact police via emergency or non-emergency channels to help address these ongoing concerns.