Belfast: Since the weekend, South Belfast has been experiencing disturbances due to anti-immigration protests, resulting in damage to several businesses and attacks on police officers.
On Monday night, riot police were deployed to Sandy Row, near a supermarket that was set on fire, as officers faced petrol bombs and stones. The police reported “ongoing disorder” in the Donegall Road area and advised the public to avoid the location. Approximately a dozen individuals participated in the violence, targeting armoured police vehicles. Officers in riot gear cordoned off the street as multiple fires were ignited in the vicinity.
Earlier on Monday, Belfast City Council convened a special meeting and agreed to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the violence on Saturday. They announced the establishment of a financial aid program for those impacted by the racist attacks. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) warned the public to steer clear of certain areas of the city as they managed the public disorder. At least one police car was set ablaze, and several fires were reported in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road areas. Around a dozen masked individuals hurled petrol bombs at PSNI vehicles while riot officers formed defensive lines.
A planned anti-immigration protest at the Clayton Hotel earlier in the day did not materialise. Belfast was among several cities witnessing anti-immigration riots on Saturday, where fireworks were thrown as police attempted to manage a confrontation between anti-racist protesters and an anti-Islamic rally. Rioters set fire to a café, a supermarket, and several cars. Approximately 800 people were involved, and four men, aged between 34 and 53, were charged over the violence on Saturday.
Monday evening also saw unrest in Plymouth, resulting in injuries to several police officers. Far-right groups have been causing disturbances in towns and cities across England following the Southport attack last week. These groups have violently clashed with police, throwing missiles, damaging buildings, and looting shops. Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with these incidents.
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