Three men charged following West Belfast rioting involving around 100 people

October 15, 2026 The Belfast Desk 0 Comments

Three men have been charged following serious disorder in West Belfast earlier this year, with police confirming that seven arrests have been made as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police Service of Northern Ireland emblem mounted on a brick wall — Police Service of Northern Ireland emblem. © The Belfast Desk

The PSNI issued an update on Thursday 15 October into the violence that occurred on Stewartstown Road on Saturday 18 July.

Police said approximately 100 people were involved in the disorder, during which 11 police vehicles were damaged and an officer was assaulted.

Three men appear before courts

Inspector Chloe Saggers confirmed that three men, aged 30, 27 and 24, have been charged and appeared before the courts.

The charges include offences relating to rioting, criminal damage, obstruction of a road and assault on police.

Seven arrests have been made in connection with the investigation, while a vehicle has also been seized.

Police confirmed that one community resolution notice and one caution have been issued, with three people reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

Police vehicles damaged during disorder

The violence occurred after police had been carrying out an operation targeting dangerous driving involving scrambler-type motorcycles.

Officers reported seeing large numbers of young people travelling at speed through areas including Stewartstown Road, Falls Road, Dunmurry and the M1.

Police said some riders had partially covered faces and were not wearing helmets.

During the subsequent disorder, masonry was thrown at officers and 11 police vehicles were damaged, comprising 10 Land Rovers and one car.

Bins and loading cages were placed across Stewartstown Road near its junction with Bell Steel Road, with some bins set alight.