Reports that children as young as seven have been involved in rioting in south Belfast has been described as “incredibly disturbing”.
There are also fears that the children are being “exploited by criminal gangs”.
The concerns have been raised by Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young People (NICCY), who said the gangs involved “must be stopped”.
It comes after a second night of disorder in the Broadway area of the city, which has seen police officers targeted with missiles, including petrol bombs, paint and bottles.
On Tuesday, an estimated 40 young people were involved in the disturbances.
It has been reported that older males were seen encouraging young children to get involved.
On Wednesday, Mr Quinn visited the area to see the aftermath of the second night of rioting.
“Children as young as seven are reported to have been throwing bricks, bottles, and petrol bombs at police in the Broadway area of south Belfast last night, as the rioting continued for a second night,” he said.
“Let that sink in – seven years of age.
“That is incredibly disturbing. Clearly, children and young people are being exploited by criminal gangs, who must be stopped.”
He said that NICCY had previously “provided advice to government on safeguarding children and young people from this abuse and exploitation in 2021″
“Sadly, we appear to be no further forward, and I repeat the call for a unified strategic response to protect children from harm including abuse, violence, coercion and exploitation by organised gangs and groups,” he added.
“It is imperative that children, young people, families and community and voluntary organisations are involved in the development of this strategic response.”
