Menu
23/04/2008
Belfast Riots By Txt
As the longer summer nights loom, a warning has been issued that youths in Belfast are text messaging each other to arrange riots.
Following reports earlier this month that police believed a riot in Londonderry - involving up to 100 youths - was organised on the Internet, orchestrated through social networking websites, the NI Assembly has been told that young people are "spoiling for a fight" and are also using the Internet to organise confrontations.
Sinn Fein Assembly member Caral Ni Chuilin, from north Belfast, made the claims during yesterday's Stormont debate on tackling violence in an area that continues to be dogged by sectarian tension.
The Assembly heard that just last week a 14-year-old boy was badly beaten and pensioners' homes were petrol bombed in the latest incidents of unrest on streets where Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods adjoin.
Ms Ni Chuilin has called for the Northern Ireland Executive to establish a forum bringing together politicians and community activists to address the problem.
"Children and young people have become involved in what has been described as recreational rioting on interfaces," she told fellow MLAs.
"And indeed there are a small number organising riots over the internet and through text messaging and I found this quite shocking."
She said action needed to be taken before tensions rose further with the onset of the summer marching season.
See: Rioters United!
(BMcC)
Following reports earlier this month that police believed a riot in Londonderry - involving up to 100 youths - was organised on the Internet, orchestrated through social networking websites, the NI Assembly has been told that young people are "spoiling for a fight" and are also using the Internet to organise confrontations.
Sinn Fein Assembly member Caral Ni Chuilin, from north Belfast, made the claims during yesterday's Stormont debate on tackling violence in an area that continues to be dogged by sectarian tension.
The Assembly heard that just last week a 14-year-old boy was badly beaten and pensioners' homes were petrol bombed in the latest incidents of unrest on streets where Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods adjoin.
Ms Ni Chuilin has called for the Northern Ireland Executive to establish a forum bringing together politicians and community activists to address the problem.
"Children and young people have become involved in what has been described as recreational rioting on interfaces," she told fellow MLAs.
"And indeed there are a small number organising riots over the internet and through text messaging and I found this quite shocking."
She said action needed to be taken before tensions rose further with the onset of the summer marching season.
See: Rioters United!
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2023
Belfast Man Pleads Guilty To Making Indecent Images Of Children
A 54-year-old Belfast man has pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography. Named by the PSNI, Aaron Ravel pled guilty to four offences at Laganside Crown Court.
Belfast Man Pleads Guilty To Making Indecent Images Of Children
A 54-year-old Belfast man has pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography. Named by the PSNI, Aaron Ravel pled guilty to four offences at Laganside Crown Court.
10 February 2015
Minister Promotes 'Safer Internet Day'
Education Minister John O'Dowd has urged people to stay safe when online as part of 'Safer Internet Day 2015'. He said: "In this fast-paced, ever changing, technological society in which we live, staying safe online is more important now than ever.
Minister Promotes 'Safer Internet Day'
Education Minister John O'Dowd has urged people to stay safe when online as part of 'Safer Internet Day 2015'. He said: "In this fast-paced, ever changing, technological society in which we live, staying safe online is more important now than ever.
11 February 2014
Ministers Promote Safer Internet Day
Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today attended St. Ita’s Primary School and Wellington College in Belfast to promote Safer Internet Day 2014. Today is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day with the theme 'Let's create a better internet together'.
Ministers Promote Safer Internet Day
Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today attended St. Ita’s Primary School and Wellington College in Belfast to promote Safer Internet Day 2014. Today is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day with the theme 'Let's create a better internet together'.
18 October 2013
MLAs Back Internet Safety Campaign
The Ulster Unionist Party and the Alliance Party have backed a new campaign to help young people remove explicit images online.
MLAs Back Internet Safety Campaign
The Ulster Unionist Party and the Alliance Party have backed a new campaign to help young people remove explicit images online.
09 February 2023
L'Derry Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Sexual Communication With A Child
A 44-year-old man from L'Derry has pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, at Coleraine Crown Court. Named by the PSNI as Patrick Devine, he believed he was talking to three young girls aged 12, 13 and 14.
L'Derry Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Sexual Communication With A Child
A 44-year-old man from L'Derry has pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, at Coleraine Crown Court. Named by the PSNI as Patrick Devine, he believed he was talking to three young girls aged 12, 13 and 14.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
