Protests Disrupt Community Safety Meetings In Belfast

Police are investigating disruptions at two District Policing & Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP) meetings in Belfast this week.

Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay stated that the DPCSPs work with agencies to address safety concerns in local communities. However, meetings in both west and north Belfast were disrupted by protestors.

On Monday, a DPCSP meeting in St Comgall's, west Belfast, was disrupted. Then, on Tuesday, a meeting in Girdwood Community Hub, north Belfast, was disrupted by masked protestors who behaved in a disorderly manner, forcing the meeting to relocate and conclude its business in a different room. "Many of those attending both meetings reported feeling threatened and intimidated," said Chief Superintendent Lindsay. "Whilst we would always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, disorderly behaviour which prevents a lawful public meeting is not acceptable."

Police have commenced an investigation into the incidents, including reviewing video evidence.

"We would appeal to anyone with any information on those who behaved a disorderly manner at these events to contact police on 101 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," Chief Superintendent Lindsay said.

He emphasized the importance of the DPCSPs' work and expressed commitment to ensuring future meetings can proceed safely and without unlawful harassment and intimidation. "We will be working with Police and Community Safety Partnership chairs to ensure that moving forward these meetings can take place in a safe and orderly fashion free from unlawful harassment and intimidation," he stated.