Head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Gavin Stephens said officers are expected to referee social debate using laws that pre-date social media

Drew Harris said he was concerned at the number of juveniles involved in such attacks.

Officers were ‘punched, kicked and spat at’ as they responded to calls on Friday and Saturday night in Downpatrick, Co Down.

Expert negotiators were called to the incident in Delgany.

The PSNI said four people have been charged with drugs offences.

Unlike other parts of the UK, the PSNI does not issue mugshots of serious offenders after sentencing