Two PSNI officers attacked during disorder at Belfast car meet

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Two PSNI officers and several police vehicles have been attacked at a car meet in west Belfast.

Footage on social media showed cars driving erratically with crowds of people gathered in the Colin area on Monday evening.

Police received reports of large crowds of people and vehicles that gathered and were driving dangerously in the vicinity of Blacks Road and Bell Steele Road.

Appeal for information following west Belfast disorder https://t.co/Sz2qEbznSb pic.twitter.com/IRaqzmqBQQ

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 4, 2026

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers attended and subsequently came under attack by youths throwing bottles and masonry.

“Two officers were struck and number of police vehicles were damaged in the attack.

“I would appeal to those people involved in this kind of reckless behaviour on our roads to think about the possible serious consequence of their actions.

“Not only does this kind of activity impact on the lives of local residents, but it can present a significant danger to other road users.

“I would also urge those involved to be aware that police will use all powers available to them to ensure the safety of road users, including the power to seize vehicles.

“We have been, and will continue to work with our partner organisations, including local politicians, to address this issue, and work towards delivering a safe solution.

“An evidence-gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now under way to identify those involved in disorder.”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker condemned those involved in scenes he described as “absolutely chaotic and nothing short of a disgrace”.

He also criticised the PSNI who he claimed did not arrive “until the situation had already got out of control”.

“Police were made aware several hours ago of this pre-planned event and I urged them to deploy preventative measures to stop the cavalcade of cars from entering the area,” he said.

“These concerns fell on deaf ears, and by the time police arrived it was too late.

“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with police to reflect the feelings of people in the Colin who feel completely let down.

“I am also urging swift action to ensure those involved in this reckless behaviour are apprehended.”

Independent Councillor for West Belfast Paul Doherty posted on social media: “If any of your young people are out around the Stewartstown Road tonight, get them home now.

“This is disgraceful, dangerous and totally unacceptable. People are putting lives at risk and terrorising the local community.

“Parents and guardians need to know where their young people are. Get them away from this before someone is killed.”