Image caption The incident happened in the Skegoneill area of north Belfast

Police have said they will increase patrols in the Skegoneill area of north Belfast after fighting broke out among more than 20 youths, some of whom were armed with knives and sticks.

A 17-year-old boy was treated for a head injury as a result of the incident on Friday night. A police officer sustained a minor injury.

A number of vehicles in the area were damaged.

PSNI Ch Insp Davy Moore has issued a warning to those involved.

Mr Moore said they "should stop and think of the consequences of their actions both in terms of causing serious injury to others or themselves".

He said the investigation was at an early stage, however, both "sectarianism and the use of social media sites are a strong line of enquiry".

"Parents need to take responsibility regarding the whereabouts of their children and in supervising access to social networking sites," he added.

Image caption A number of vehicles in the area were damaged

"There are fears that should this behaviour continue that a young person may lose their life. This would have a devastating impact on communities.

"Police will be carrying out increased patrolling in the area."