Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
NORTHERN IRELAND’S POLICE SERVICE has appealed for assistance in identifying four men believed to be connected to a week of escalating violence across the region.
The disturbances, which began in Ballymena, spread to Portadown, Coleraine, and Larne, resulting in numerous injuries and widespread property damage.
Over the course of four nights, 63 police officers have been injured.
The PSNI has arrested 17 individuals, with 13 facing criminal charges and four remanded in custody.
Warnings from the district judge indicate that those involved in the disorder may face lengthy custodial sentences, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
In Coleraine, an arson attack on a family home is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
The blaze occurred at Mount Street. A family with three young children were evacuated from the property.
Officers from the PSNI maintain a large presence in the towns tonight, which will continue into the weekend.
Officers are supported by resources from Scotland. Assistant Chief Constable Henderson emphasised the importance of returning to normalcy.
“Let Northern Ireland return to normal and start the process of recovery,” he said this evening.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the PSNI is releasing the images in the hopes that the public can help identify the individuals.
“It is in all of our interests, and in the interests of justice, that those responsible are dealt with, and I would urge anyone who may have information to bring it forward.”
The PSNI has provided a contact number for tips: 101, or via their major incident portal on the PSNI website.
The unrest was sparked by the court appearance of two 14-year-old boys charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in Ballymena.
The use of a Romanian interpreter during the proceedings has been linked to a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment, leading to racially motivated attacks on foreign nationals and their properties.
The violence has been described as “racist thuggery” by police officials. District Judge warnings indicate that those involved in the disorder may face lengthy custodial sentences.
The PSNI has asked anyone with information about the individuals in the released images or any other details related to the disturbances to come forward.
Information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say