THE PSNI HAS said it will provide a “strong presence” in Belfast tomorrow as shoppers head to the city on the same day that a protest is due to take place.

With tomorrow being one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the PSNI said it will be working hard to ensure the safety of communities across Northern Ireland.

ACC Will Kerr said that the police are aware that some protesters intend to come to Belfast City Hall tomorrow.

Unfortunately where large numbers of protesters converge with an already busy city centre, there is a very real risk to public safety. We would urge those involved in the protests, to which they have a legitimate right, to take a step back and stay out of the city centre tomorrow. The risk to the public safety of all of those involved is simply too great.

“The PSNI will provide a very strong presence tomorrow and over the weekend. High visibility police officers will be on the ground in Belfast city centre to assist in creating a safe environment for everyone,” he continued.

ACC Kerr said the PSNI is aware of the ongoing tensions within communities regarding the flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall. “People have a legitimate and democratic right to peacefully protest in relation to this issue,” he said.

“However, events across Northern Ireland over the past few days have also shown that a small minority of people will use these protests to engage in violence and disorder,” he added. “This is unacceptable and does not reflect the wishes of the vast majority of all communities in Northern Ireland who simply want to enjoy the Christmas period with friends and families in peace.”

Protests took place earlier this week in response to the Belfast City Council’s decision to fly the Union flag at the City Hall for 17 days a year, rather than 365 days. On the night of the decision, a security guard was injured and PSNI members were also injured during the protests at the building.

On Wednesday, there were attacks on the Alliance Party offices and on the homes of some of its members, by people opposed to the decision.

Read: Alliance Party calls for Assembly to unite against attacks in Antrim, Down>