A mosque located in Co Down became the target of a petrol bomb lobbed incident during the early morning hours on Saturday. The incident is viewed by local authorities as a racially driven hate crime. Specifically, the Newtownards mosque was attacked near 1am, and the attackers sprayed graffiti on the building’s front door and walls on Greenwell Street. Thankfully, the petrol bomb that was aimed at the building did not go off.
Keith Hutchinson, Chief Inspector of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), has categorised this as a racially motivated hate crime and emphasised that such behaviour won’t be tolerated. He assures that all reports of hate crime are treated with utmost seriousness and also requested anyone with useful information to come forth and assist in identifying the culprits.
This episode transpired following a series of peaceful protests in Belfast city on Friday night. However, there have been overnight reports of property and vehicle damages under investigation by the police.
There were multiple vehicles set ablaze on Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens in Belfast, both of which are being regarded as racially driven hate crimes. Workers inside a restaurant on Ormeau Road were also subjected to racial slurs.
Five arrests were made on Friday, escalating the total count of arrests to 31. On Friday’s protests in Belfast, a 22-year-old man was arrested accused of assaulting a police vehicle with a bottle. The man has to face the court on 6th of September for charges including disorderly behaviour and causing criminal damage. A 51-year-old man taken into custody post protests in the city centre has been charged with disorderly behaviour and had his court appearance on Saturday.
Two adolescent boys, both aged 14, were arrested in Derry following protests in Guildhall Square. This transpired subsequent to the discovery of several petrol bombs in the vicinity of Spencer Road by the police.
A special session of the Dungannon Magistrates’ Court witnessed the appearance of two individuals this past Saturday. A man, aged 37, was detained in Portrush under suspicion of deliberately inciting a riot through digital means and is currently held in police custody.
Melanie Jones, the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of PSNI, conveyed that the force continues to delve into all allegations associated with the recent street chaos, and plans for more arrests are in progress. She articulated her appreciation for the vast support shown by the communities towards their Muslim members, stating it reflects the authentic opinions of Northern Ireland’s majority populace.
Melanie Jones further affirmed that a noticeable police presence will be maintained throughout Northern Ireland during the concluding weekend to ensure security for all communities. As events progress, Saturday observed a swell of individuals actively partaking in an anti-racism protest within the city confines of Belfast.