In Belfast, security measures are being significantly increased by local police as a stand-off between anti-immigration and anti-racism demonstrators persists in the city’s hub. The opposing groups have been trading verbal attacks, with incidents of fireworks and other projectiles being launched during the fraught confrontations taking place near the City Hall. Northern Ireland’s Police Service (PSNI) officers, donned in riot gear, and their vehicles have been deployed to keep the groups separated.
An arrest was made by police officers, with an individual being transported away in a PSNI vehicle. Following social media calls for an anti-immigration protest in the city – an action spurred by the tragic murders of three young children in Southport – hundreds attended an anti-racist counter-protest in the city centre.
The rally consisted of speeches, chants opposing Nazism, trade union banners, and Palestinian flags. Not long after the counter-protest commenced, an assembly of anti-Islamic protestors appeared across the street. These protestors began to chant “Islam out” and displayed union flags.
Interestingly, Irish Tricolour flags could also be seen at the anti-Islamic protest, marked by the arrival of a delegation from Coolock, where Dublin has previously seen anti-immigration protests. The situation between both groups escalated, resulting in law enforcement stepping in to mediate. Due to the severity of these ongoing demonstrations, a variety of Belfast access routes have had to be shut down, as stated by the police.
The PSNI also mentioned their awareness of multiple scheduled protests across Northern Ireland on that day, asserting their commitment to maintain safety for all involved. Meanwhile, in Southport, England, eight individuals were taken into custody while three officers were hospitalised for treatment following disturbances during the night.