Police in Northern Ireland have issued a plea for calm as further protests are planned over the weekend, with commanders warning of a “zero-tolerance” approach if violence flares again.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said Thursday night was “much calmer” with only “lower level disturbances” compared to the disorder of the previous two nights.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed a reduction in disorder, stating that three arrests were made across the region, one related to violence on Wednesday night. He said 19 arrests have now been made since street violence first erupted on Tuesday.
The unrest began in response to a knife attack on Monday night in which a man suffered significant injuries, including the loss of his left eye. Stephen Ogilvie, in his 40s, also sustained deep cuts to his head, face, and back in the stabbing in north Belfast—a graphic video of which went viral. On Thursday, he remained in an induced coma, but his condition was said to be improving.
Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder over Monday’s attack. Alodid entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border by bus in February 2023, having flown to Dublin from Paris. He then claimed asylum and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
Mr Henderson said police would maintain an increased presence on the streets over the weekend, monitoring for potential anti-immigration demonstrations. “Thankfully, last night was calmer than recent days, and we hope this will continue this weekend,” he said.
“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental in a democratic society. These rights are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, and will be supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“We would urge everyone protesting this weekend to remember that these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.
“Everyone who lives, works and visits Northern Ireland deserves to feel safe and the PSNI is there to help all our communities do so, by operating a zero-tolerance approach to any violence, intimidation, or criminal acts.”
Mr Henderson added: “The public can be reassured that they will continue to see a heightened presence in towns and cities, and engagement will continue as we work to keep people safe. Our GB policing colleagues have provided us with mutual aid resources to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order.
“Evidence gathering assets will be deployed as part of our operation and footage captured will be reviewed by our public order inquiry team as we continue to robustly investigate the disorder which has occurred since Tuesday.
“We will continue to release images of individuals police want to identify and speak to, and further arrests will follow as we strive to deliver justice for those who have been involved in disorder, racially motivated attacks and hate-filled social media posts.”
On Tuesday night, mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire in Belfast, targeting people based on their race. Water cannons were deployed in Co Antrim on Wednesday after police were pelted with bricks and a Department for Infrastructure vehicle was set ablaze. Serious unrest also occurred in Portadown, Co Armagh, leaving 12 police officers injured on Wednesday evening. Foreign national healthcare workers have also faced threats and intimidation.
Mr Henderson said Thursday night witnessed a de-escalation of tensions. “Our heightened presence in our local communities and engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night. Thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days. Our policing operation will remain over the weekend to ensure public order is maintained.”
A number of anti-racism events have been organised in response to the unrest. A community solidarity rally took place in west Belfast on Friday evening, while a “Together Against Hate” demonstration is scheduled at Belfast City Hall on Saturday.
Outlining the latest arrests, Mr Henderson said: “There were peaceful protests last night at a number of locations, including Newtownabbey, with no significant incidents of public disorder. Officers engaged with participants supporting their right to express their views lawfully.
“Last night, officers were dealing with some lower level disturbances and keeping focus on patrols of key areas. There were three arrests in total across Northern Ireland – one in connection with disorder on Wednesday and including a man detained following criminal damage to a vehicle in the Taughmonagh area of south Belfast.
“There was an arson attack on a house in the Shore Road area of north Belfast and reports of race-hate graffiti in the Dee Street and Newtownards Road area of east Belfast.
“A 27-year-old male threw a stone at a police vehicle during a mobile patrol in Abbeyville Court in Newtownabbey. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.
“No significant disorder noted in Derry/Londonderry overnight with one arrest of a 16-year-old male for riotous behaviour the previous night (Wednesday).
“There have been 19 arrests so far this week with people already charged to court. Our public order inquiry team is working day and night to identify those who have been involved in the disorder over the last number of days.”
