A high-ranking police official has promised to utilise the full extent of the law against individuals implicated in the violent backlash following anti-immigration demonstrations in Belfast. Davy Beck, Assistant Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), informed that three policemen endured injuries in this unrest in the city, occurring on Saturday, one of whom endured a concussion.
Conversing with the media at the PSNI main office in Belfast, Mr Beck revealed that authorities had launched two plastic baton rounds amidst the ruckus in the Sandy Row locality of Belfast. Additionally, he maintained communication with his equivalent in the Garda to guarantee the identification of culprits who migrated from the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Beck recorded four detentions and ensured the practice of every available means to pinpoint those implicated. At the same time, Northern Ireland’s joint leaders, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, explicitly condemned the violent events in a united announcement, insisting on swift legal action against the offenders.
A cafe and supermarket situated on Donegall Road in southern Belfast fell victim to fire attacks on Saturday evening, resulting in severe damage. Several cars were also set ablaze while the authorities were trying to control the extended chaos in that area.
The sparking of violence on Saturday evening was preceded by earlier discontent when anti-immigration protestors attacked businesses while advancing through the city. Officers had to establish an elaborate security arrangement during a prolonged showdown between anti-Islamic protestors and those participating in an anti-racist protest at Belfast City Hall, where projectiles and fireworks were used against each other.
On Sunday, the PSNI estimated that around 800 people partook in these protests at Belfast City Hall. The force succeeded in thwarting protestors’ endeavour to rally towards the Belfast Islamic Centre. Following this, occasional eruptions of violence materialised in the city’s university district, persisting into the evening in the Sandy Row area, where beat police discharged two AEP (attenuated energy projectiles) plastic baton rounds.
Mr Beck reported that the police were dealing with multiple reports of criminal damage, assault and arson in Belfast. In his statement, he declared: “So far, four individuals have been arrested for committing a range of crimes including behaving disorderly, assaulting police officers, engaging in unauthorised processions, taking part in riots, and possessing unlicensed fireworks. While sad to report that four assault cases involving civilians were lodged with the police, it was fortunate that no severe injuries were recorded.”
He also pointed out the ordeal faced by the police; three officers sustained injuries amidst the disorder, with one eventually relieved from duty due to concussion. Mr Beck expressed his gratitude to the police officers for their professionalism in dealing with the recent events.
He further noted the 13 reports of criminal damage received to date, with an expectation for more as further investigations continue. The police received reports detailing considerable damage to local businesses, including broken windows and damaged vehicles, some even being reduced to ashes.
Moreover, there were five instances of reported arson – including a rubbish bin set ablaze, youths hurling petrol bombs, as well as fire damage to commercial properties located in the Donegall Road vicinity. Such was the severity of the situation, an entire apartment block needed to be evacuated due to a fire caused by the chaos.
He asserted that such violent scenes were entirely unacceptable in Belfast or any part of Northern Ireland. Mr Beck reassured the public, stating: “We are diligently working to identify all individuals responsible for this criminal activity, and all perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Despite the chaos, Mr Beck refuted claims of the police being caught off guard, asserting the existence of a robust operation already in place to manage the situation. Recognising the challenging nature of swiftly evolving protests, he commended his officers for their effective response. The officer stated that the PSNI had a contingency plan to manage potential future unrest.
He concluded by issuing an appeal to all community leaders for their help in preventing further disorder.
Any form of violence or intimidation on our streets, as was seen recently, is not something we want to see repeated. However, measures have been put in place, with extra resources mobilised both yesterday and today to ensure law and order. Mr Beck has firmly maintained that the PSNI are not to blame for the attacks on local establishments, instead shifting the blame to the perpetrators of the riot.
Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly, in their shared comments, stressed that peaceful protest is a legitimate way of voicing discontent. However, they unambiguously condemned any form of bigotry and violence, which marked the events on the previous Saturday. They have pressed for the quick arrest and trial of the culprits, urging anyone with any useful information to assist the PSNI.
This sentiment was echoed by the SDLP and the Green Party as they called for an urgent review of the Belfast City Council in the face of rising violence. Police Federation for Northern Ireland’s Liam Kelly found the events in Belfast appalling and completely uncalled for. He held a group of hooligans wholly responsible for targeting innocent people and their livelihoods, saying they aimed to instil fear among those who have chosen to call Northern Ireland home and have enriched the cultural diversity of the society.
Police personnel were thrust into a rapidly evolving situation in Belfast city centre and other areas. On account of the professionalism displayed by our officers, the damage intended by these thugs on local businesses owned by minority communities was averted. Despite the atmosphere of racial hatred and thuggery from the far-right, a cleanup operation was put in motion on Sunday in the Donegall Road area of Belfast.
Bashir, a local supermarket manager, had his business severely damaged by arson. He voiced the sentiment that these attacks aimed at intimidating the Muslim community. He was particularly critical of the police for their perceived inaction against the threats. Bashir, in his candid remarks, questioned the effectiveness of a police force that seemingly let malicious people commit arson unchecked.