According to preliminary data from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), racially-motivated hate incidents have surged by a third in the past year. It is estimated that an additional 409 situations occurred during the year leading up to this month. The overall count reflects a rise in such incidents in the aftermath of major public disturbances at the beginning of August, mirroring chaos across the UK during a period of social media misinformation following the murder of three girls in Southport, England.
South Belfast was a hotbed for riots sparked by an anti-immigration protest on August 3rd, which led to sporadic violent occurrences and assaults on homes and businesses of individuals belonging to minority communities throughout Northern Ireland. To date, the PSNI has made 45 related arrests, including seven individuals below the age of 18, with the youngest being merely11, and charged 35 people.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton renewed his call on Tuesday for witnesses to step forth, emphasising that the anonymous charity Crimestoppers is a safe alternative for those apprehensive about reporting. He characterised the tumultuous events as “significantly distressing and alarming for the black and minority community”.
He stated the swell in race hate incidents suggested by the preliminary numbers was “exceptionally glaring”.
He commented that while they await the final and fully authenticated numbers, the current data suggests the intense pressure that has been imposed on our black and minority ethnic communities, and the immense challenges faced by law enforcement over the last month.
He asserted that the police stands in complete solidarity with these communities in battling the hate they are subjected to and will persist in efforts to offer the best possible service. Singleton announced the police would be unwavering in tracking down and punishing those behind these attacks on people and property.
The probing team is painstakingly analysing over 3,500 hours of visuals from CCTV and body-worn cameras. Their aim is to ensure that those inciting violence and disorder, damaging homes and businesses, and targeting minority ethnic communities, face judicial proceedings. This sentiment was put forward by Mr. Singleton.
He further implored individuals having insight into these events that would aid the police to step forward. Mr. Singleton fervently condemned the continued aggression against minority ethnic communities and the ensuing chaos disrupting our streets. Furthermore, he articulated that it benefits everyone, and serves justice, if the culprits are aptly taken to task.
Singleton acknowledged that not all victims file a report against hate crimes due to varied factors. He affirmed that they’ve been striving to bridge this gap by reaching out to communities throughout Northern Ireland. The goal is to foster trust in law enforcement and to motivate individuals to register their reports with the police.