Those involved in violence which erupted following anti-immigration protests in Belfast will be dealt with “using the full force of the law”, a senior police officer has vowed.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck revealed that three officers were injured during disorder in the city on Saturday.
He said four arrests had been made, adding that police “will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved”.
A cafe and a supermarket in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast were badly damaged by fire after attacks on Saturday night.
A number of cars were also burnt out as the police attempted to deal with the disorder in the area which lasted several hours.
The violence on Saturday night followed unrest earlier in the day after businesses were attacked when an anti-immigration protest moved through the city.
Police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.
Providing an update on Sunday, the PSNI said around 600 people were involved in the protests at Belfast City Hall.
The force said it prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre.
It said that sporadic violence then occurred in the university area of the city, and continued in the evening in the Sandy Row area.
Mr Beck said the force is dealing with a number of reports of criminal damage, assault and arson in Belfast.
He said: “So far we have made four arrests for a number of offences including disorderly behaviour, assault on police, taking part in an un-notified procession, riotous behaviour and possession of fireworks without a licence.
“There were four reports of assault made to police involving members of the public. Serious injuries, thankfully, were not reported.
“Three police officers also sustained injuries as a consequence of this disorder, two officers remained on duty and one officer was relieved from duty after suffering concussion.
“Such attacks on officers are totally unacceptable and I would place on record my gratitude for the professional actions of officers as they dealt with yesterday’s events.
“To date we have received 13 reports of criminal damage but we expect to receive more as the days progress.
“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.
“There were also five reports of arson including a bin being set on fire, youths throwing petrol bombs and fire damage to business premises in the Donegall Road area. It was necessary to evacuate an apartment block in a building set on fire, such was the recklessness of the disorder.”
He said the scenes of violence had no place in Belfast or anywhere else in Ireland.
Mr Beck added: “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.
“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.
“Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and Belfast city.
“Their actions are completely inexcusable and we will be using every tool at our disposal to identify those involved.
“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s events and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.”
Stormont’s Justice Minister Naomi Long has said there can be no place for “xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia” in Northern Ireland.
Ms Long commended the PSNI for their response to disturbances in Belfast on Saturday and sent her best wishes to officers who were injured.
She said: “I utterly condemn the violence that we saw yesterday on the streets of Belfast. These demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division. They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community.
“This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is – fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level.”
Ms Long added: “There can be no place in our community for hate: for xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. Neither can there be any place for such intimidation and intolerance. My thoughts are with all those impacted by this disorder; those whose property was damaged, businesses attacked and who were intimidated, threatened or fearful as a result.”
On Sunday a clean-up operation was taking place in the Donegall Road area of Belfast.
Supermarket manager Bashir’s business was extensively damaged by fire. He told the PA news agency that the Islamic community was being targeted.
He said: “People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community.”
He added: “All of that happened and the police did nothing, I am telling you the truth.
“What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down?”
