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Cars have been smashed up and burned in the Market district of Belfast.

There is a significant police presence in the area with vehicles being targeted in the Stewart Street area next to Central Station.

The incident comes after bonfire material was removed from the area earlier today, however it is not yet clear if the two developments are linked.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police have received reports of a group of young people throwing stones and damaging cars in the Stewart Street area of East Belfast.

“A number of vehicles have been damaged. Police are currently attending the incident.”

One local source said that bonfire material was removed after contractors moved in at around 7.30am. A Belfast Council spokesman confirmed that "bonfire material was removed from a car park during an operation in the markets area today”.

Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: “Police are dealing with some localised disorder in the Friendly Street area of the Markets, which has been caused by a small group of youths.

(Image: Twitter/@vinty_official)

“We are working with local representatives and members of the community to address the situation.

“There has been some stone–throwing, damage to parked cars and a number of petrol bombs have also been thrown.

“Local residents of the Markets do not want this kind of activity on their doorsteps and we would urge those engaged in violence and criminal damage to stop – and go home.”

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has condemned those behind a series of vandalism attacks in the Markets area as “thugs who have no place in the community".

The South Belfast Councillor was speaking after a number of cars were targeted on Monday afternoon, with at least two being set on fire.

He added: “There is no excuse for this type of behaviour and I would appeal for calm in the local area as we head into this evening.

(Image: Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)

“Anti-social behaviour of any kind is never acceptable and those behind this latest attack on the people of Belfast must recognise their actions will only serve to make the local community stronger, as they stand in the face of those attempting to bring fear and intimidation back onto the streets.

“Belfast is a thriving, cosmopolitan city and we cannot allow the thugs behind these recent attacks to detract from the positive image of Belfast that attracts investors and tourists alike.”

The Sinn Fein councillor for the Markets area, Deirdre Hargey, said: "The damage to cars in Stewart Street is unacceptable and I condemn those responsible in the strongest possible way.

"Both commuters and residents have been affected. Cars have been smashed with stones and several have been set alight. It is nothing short of mindless vandalism."

Ms Hargey added there had been other incidents of vandalism over the weekend.

"There is no defending this behaviour at all and it needs to stop now," she said.

"I'm asking all parents to take responsibility for their children and know where they are at all times.

"The community does not want this type of behaviour and it's not representative of the people of this area."

A council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that bonfire material was removed from a car park during an operation in the Markets area today."