Children as young as seven were forced to run for cover behind police officers as yobs chucked bottles at PSNI on patrol.
The incident – a second night in succession – happened in the Shankill / Taghnevan area of Lurgan this evening (Wednesday).
Police said children, who were out trick or treating – ran for cover behind their crews for protection.
At the same time, older males on Drumlin Drive started screaming at the youngsters for talking to the police.
A PSNI spokesperson explained: “If you’re a parent of the young trick or treaters, get them in! There are older kids throwing bottles, and there are those who try to drag us back who will do what they can to ensure they are in as much danger as possible and intimidate your children to do so.
“Secondly: if you’re a parent of the older kids who are out and about, know this: We are not uniformed baby sitters.
“If we have to go back in, we will be protecting ourselves when we do. Don’t think that the fact your child is under 18 will change that.
“A bottle, stone, or firework can kill, and if your children continue to put the community at risk tonight, our response will reflect that.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of CS spray, and it’s not pleasant. I’ve seen the results of baton strikes. Those bruises don’t fade quickly.
“If you read this and take no action, and we are forced to take action against your child who is causing significant risk or doing serious harm to others- they will come off second best. That will be on you.
“Get them inside, or at least in line.”
