A picture posted on Facebook by members of the Divis Hoods in 2014.

The PSNI is investigating a social media post which threatened to terrorise west Belfast if tickets to this year's Feile an Phobail are not given out to young people in the area.

A Facebook account under the name "Divis Hood" posted the threats on Friday morning, with the post quickly going viral on social media.

The post read: "The young people from divis needs tickets for the concert if there does (sic) be tickets handed over there are going to be hijacked cars thats a promise.

"If we don't get tickets for the feile we will take it upon ourselves to ensure the falls road will be demolished and terrorised on the 8th night."

A group known as the Divis Hoods are a loose collection of joyriders and thieves who have caused chaos in the lower Falls Road area of Belfast in the past.

Expand Close Police are investigating the Facebook post. / Facebook

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On Sunday morning the PSNI confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph that police are aware of the social media post and are examining it for potential criminal offences.

Sinn Fein councillor Tina Black said: “The police investigation into this post should be swift and thorough.

“No community should be held to ransom by anonymous threats.

“Féile an Phobail have played a hugely positive role in providing world class entertainment for the young people of Belfast.

“The contrast between Féile’s contribution and the comments by those responsible for this disgraceful post couldn’t be more stark.”

The Divis Hoods are notorious for hijacking and stealing vehicles, which they joyride until they crash or run out of petrol.

In 2015 the gang were blamed for causing chaos after trouble broke out at an internment night bonfire in the Divis area.

Cars were stolen and set on fire, with witnesses on the night reporting that children and parents had to dodge out of the way of a stolen car.

Belfast Telegraph