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LAST UPDATE | 4 Aug 2024
LAST NIGHT’S VIOLENT scenes in Belfast resulted in “extensive damage” to multiple businesses, with the PSNI receiving 13 reports of criminal damage and five arson.
Several cars were also burnt out and officers had to evacuated an apartment block in a building set on fire during the riot.
Politicians have condemned the violence seen in Belfast last night which saw a number of businesses torched by anti-immigration protests.
One business manager said Muslim-owned properties were the target of the violence, with a cafe and supermarket in the south of the city badly damaged by fire after attacks.
A protest involving approximately 600 people had formed in the City Hall area yesterday morning.
The PSNI said it blocked the large group from its attempts to march on the Belfast Islamic Centre, but the participants dispersed into the Botanic Avenue, University Street, Lower Ormeau, Holyland and Donegall Road areas where “sporadic violence developed” for a period.
Further disorder was reported last night in the Sandy Row area where a business was also set on fire, the PSNI said.
In a statement, the PSNI said that those who took part in the violence and destruction “bring nothing but shame to themselves and Belfast city”.
“We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law,” said assistant chief constable Davy Beck.
“This disorder, violence and destruction has no place in Belfast or anywhere else across the streets of Northern Ireland.
“I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and the devastating impact this has had on local communities.
“Their actions are completely inexcusable and we will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust at “those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism” last night.
Harris spoke with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill today after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday.
Protesters waving both the union flag and the Irish tricolour took part in the protest at the front of Belfast City Hall.
There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock in north Dublin, which has been the scene of recent anti-immigration protests.
A statement from the Taoiseach’s spokesperson said the two had agreed to stay in contact.
The Taoiseach spoke of Belfast as a city and society that has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace, and build respect and inclusivity.
It added: “They discussed the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island.”
Four arrests have been made for offences including “disorderly behaviour, assault on police, taking part in an un-notified procession, riotous behaviour and possession of fireworks without a licence” according to a PSNI statement released this afternoon.
“There were four reports of assault made to police involving members of the public. Serious injuries, thankfully, were not reported,” Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said in the statement.
Three police officers also sustained injuries during the evening. Two officers remained on duty and one officer was “relieved from duty” after suffering concussion.
“To date we have received 13 reports of criminal damage but we expect to receive more as the days progress. We are continuing to engage with communities across Belfast in this regard,” Beck added.
“Some of these reports included extensive damage caused to local businesses with windows being broken and damage also caused to vehicles parked in the local community – some of which were burnt out.
Several cars were also burnt out as the police attempted to deal with the disorder in the Donegall Road area which lasted several hours last night and into this morning.
A business was attacked in the Botanic area of the city and windows were smashed at a hotel.
Supermarket manager Bashir’s business was extensively damaged by fire. He told the PA news agency that the Islamic community was being targeted.
“People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community,” he said.
Bashir critcised the PSNI for their response to the situation and not preventing the fires.
“What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down?”
The PSNI said they were treating reports of criminal damage as hate crimes and had made two arrests.
Almost 90 more people were arrested during similar disorder seen across English cities yesterday.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that communities have to work to keep “free from hate and division” in a post on X.
The Sinn Féin vice president added that Belfast is a “progressive and inclusive city” thanks to “years of dedication and hard work” and cross-community efforts.
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that while Northern Ireland must be a place that protects the right to protest, “violence is not acceptable”.
SDLP South Belfast MLA and Stormont leader Matthew O’Toole was among those who condemned the “violent mob activity” witnessed on the streets of the south inner city last night.
He said the rioting will “not change the positive, welcoming spirit that defines” the local area.
O’Toole spoke to an anti-racist rally yesterday afternoon which he said was “confronted by far-right thugs” marching in the city.
He said many of the demonstrators “had no connection to the area” and were on a “rampage through Botanic Avenue and the Holyland, areas proud of their diversity”.
There was nothing legitimate about their actions. They had no cause other than hate and no agenda other than destruction.
He added that that has been speaking to the affected businesses, community leaders and the police over what took place yesterday.
“As I said at City Hall yesterday, these thugs will not win. Our city, particularly the south of the city, is proud of its diversity and will defend it against hate,” O’Toole said.
DUP MLA Edwin Poots said many of those involved were not from south Belfast.
He said: “The violence witnessed in south Belfast is totally wrong and unacceptable.
“Many of those engaged in the violence are not local and many in the local community are expressing their unhappiness at the rioting. People are angry and frustrated,” Poots said.
He accused Government bodies of ignoring “many issues affecting communities” in south Belfast, from housing to health services.
But Poots added: “Acts of violence and destruction of the area which we are trying to get investment into is totally counterproductive.”
With reporting by PA
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