The Stormont Executive and Assembly have been recalled following rioting in Belfast which police say involves “a paramilitary element”.
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will meet later to discuss a motion condemning “criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) came under sustained attack from petrol bombs, masonry and bricks in the city on Monday night.
A police Land Rover was set alight, and attempts were made to start a fire in a supermarket.
The disorder was concentrated in the same area where two businesses were targeted on Saturday following an anti-immigration demonstration – and counter protest by anti-racism campaigners – outside Belfast’s City Hall.
A supermarket on Donegall Road was attacked following an anti-immigration protest on Saturday. Pic: PA
There have been several arrests in recent days – including a boy as young as 14 – linked to allegations of race-related hate crimes, disorder and rioting.
In one case a man in his 50s was “brutally attacked by a mob” in what officers are calling a “hate motivated assault”.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “I have no doubt there is a paramilitary element to this, but I am not in a position to say that this is the main organiser or orchestrator of these events.”
PSNI ACC Melanie Jones: ‘Paramilitary element’ to violence Pic: PA
Political leaders have been calling for calm.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “The violence which has sowed fear in local communities and damaged businesses is totally unacceptable.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has also condemned the rioting, saying the priority was to protect lives, property, and face down racism.
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Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called on the disorder to stop, adding: “We stand united in opposition to all violence, racism and hate.”
Anti-racism campaigners were kept away from immigration protestors outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday
On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer rejected calls for the UK parliament to be recalled.
Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel, Labour MPs including Diane Abbott and Dawn Butler, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage say they think the Commons should discuss the response to violence across the UK.
Dame Priti wants to challenge the prime minister on claims of “two-tier policing” within Britain – the perception that right-wing protests are dealt with more harshly than left-wing ones.
The government has rejected those accusations and Sir Keir insists his focus is “to ensure that our streets are safe”.
Source Agencies
