Posted by Updated / Friday, 9 Aug 2024 09:40
The PSNI has said it dealt with a fifth night of violent disorder in Belfast with a number of race-related, hate crime incidents as they continued to appeal to the public for help in identifying five men.
It said officers dealt with a number of reports of criminal damage to property including a car being set on fire and a window of a house being broken in Benburb Street.
Windows of a house were also smashed in Kilburn Street, both in south Belfast, it said.
In east Belfast a number of bins were set on fire in Castlereagh Street and police were attacked by a group of masked men who threw bricks and masonry at officers in Flora Street.
It said no officers sustained any injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “Our officers dealt with a fifth night of incidents such as criminal damage, disorder and arson.
“Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences, need to think of the consequences of their actions.
“Yesterday we issued six images of people we want to speak to in relation to this recent disorder. One individual has since been identified and we thank the public for their assistance with this. Please look at these images and let us know if you can identify any of these individuals.
“I am also appealing to the public directly, do not let these criminals hide in your community. Anyone with any information which can help identify any of these individuals should contact us. We have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for people to submit information, images and footage.
“Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).”
Queen’s University closes campus
Queen’s university in Belfast has closed its campus today ahead of further planned protests in the city.
In a statement, it said the campus, including its public facilities, would close as a precautionary measure to ensure staff and students travelling to and from campus are not put at any risk.
It said staff and students have been informed of interim support and learning measures.
Appealing directly to those involved in the recent disturbances, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “At Queen’s, we abhor violence and condemn without reservation islamophobia, racism and xenophobia in all forms.
“As a university community, we are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and to our campus being a safe, secure environment for all staff and students.
“I urge young people who might become involved in violence to understand that the biggest threat to your future prospects does not come from people fleeing persecution in other parts of the world, or from committed international staff who underpin the Health Service, or from families, like yours, who wish to live in peace and contribute to society here.
“Rather, the biggest threat to your future prospects, and the greatest threat to your safety, comes from those who believe that violence is the answer, and that damage and destruction brings progress.
“None of this is true. We all want to see Belfast as a place that offers opportunities for you and your future. Violence will not achieve this. Progress comes through cooperation and dialogue.”
Meanwhile, the PSNI has said they are aware of misinformation circulating on social media regarding advice to employers in Belfast city centre today. It said this has not been issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
It said they are aware of planned protest activity throughout Northern Ireland today and will have a significant policing operation in place, “and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest”.
Who Watches the Watchers? 