The thugs who launched a violent onslaught against the police in west Belfast on Sunday night deserve to be roundly condemned.
Five officers were injured after a mob of up to 200-strong attacked police who had gone to the Falls Park in pursuit of a stolen car which was suspected of involvement in a serious crime.
The mob threw stones and bottles at the police and a number attempted to enter PSNI vehicles in what can only be described as disgraceful scenes of aggression and hostility.
This appalling violence, from youths who appear to have been fuelled by drink, stands in stark contrast to the family atmosphere enjoyed by hundreds of people who attended the start of Feile an Phobail earlier in the day.
It is also reprehensible that the thuggish element which went on the rampage on Sunday night attacked police trying to deal with the major problem of car crime in this area.
People living in west Belfast are crying out for an effective response to the misery inflicted by car criminals.
It is intolerable that police who are out performing a public service which the community is demanding to see should be subjected to a barrage of missiles and abuse.
The yobs who get their kicks from destruction, criminality and confrontation do nothing for their local community and cause only misery and fear to those unfortunate enough to live near them.
The ongoing disturbances at Broadway roundabout must also cease immediately.
Rioting has taken place on a number of nights following a disturbing incident in which an 11-year-old boy with a hearing disability had his Rangers shirt ripped off and set on fire by a group of youths near Broadway roundabout.
This was a despicable attack on a defenceless child but there can be no justification for the continuing street violence which is causing fear and disruption in the area.
