Ethnic minorities and elderly 'in fear' over anti-social behaviour

Members of minority ethnic groups and elderly people have been left in fear after anti-social behaviour in south Belfast, the police have said.

Youths gathered on Donegall Pass in the past 48 hours and threw items including bottles, cans and water balloons, hitting members of the public, they said.

One man was knocked off his scooter, and a vulnerable young woman was targeted causing her "extreme distress".

"I am appealing directly to parents and guardians to know where your children are and what they are doing, " said Insp Róisín Brown.

"This guidance could well be the thing that prevents them from ending up with a criminal record.

"A number of our minority ethnic community have been targeted and have been left feeling afraid and unwelcome in the area."

"Along with this we are also receiving reports of elderly people being in fear," she said.

Police have also appealed to those involved.

Insp Brown said: "This may seem like harmless fun, however, we are actively investigating reports of assaults and public order offences.

"We do not wish to criminalise young people, but this must always be balanced against our duty to keep the public safe and to investigate offences reported to us."