PSNI Investigation To Identify Belfast Rioters

The PSNI have "strongly condemned" the scenes of violence and disorder on the streets of Belfast on Saturday, 03 August.

On Saturday morning, approximately 600 people had gathered at an 'anti-Islamophobia' protest and a ring-wing counter-protest at Belfast City Hall.

As tensions between the protestors began to rise at City Hall, it is reported that right-wing counter-protestors "broke through police lines" and began walking towards the University area of the city, attempting to reach the Belfast Islamic Centre. A number of businesses and two hotels were attacked and significantly damaged by protestors as they made their way through the Botanic area.

As the protestors entered the Holylands area, it is understood that up to 100 local residents blocked University Road to prevent them reaching the Islamic Centre.

According to the PSNI, some of those at the protest dispersed into the Botanic Avenue, University Street, Lower Ormeau, Holyland and Donegall Road areas where sporadic violence developed for a period.

Throughout the course of the evening, further disorder was reported in the Sandy Row area where a business premises was also set on fire.

A number of nearby roads were closed by police to ensure the safety of the public and local residents, and to enable officers to deal with the situation and disorder safely. All roads were subsequently reopened.

Commenting, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: "As a result of yesterday's disorder, we are today, Sunday 4th August, dealing with a number of reports of criminal damage, assault, and arson – as well as other related offences.

"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. We are continuing to engage with communities across Belfast in this regard.

"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."

Assistant Chief Constable Beck continued: "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.

"This disorder, violence and destruction has no place in Belfast or anywhere else across the streets of Northern Ireland.

"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."

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/