The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced that the number of arrests for violent race-related attacks in Belfast has increased to 17, with five men taken into custody late Wednesday. The arrests took place in the eastern part of the city after incidents of setting garbage cans on fire, throwing items at law enforcement, and reports of criminal damage to homes and cars. One of the arrests was for possession of a petrol bomb.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones stated that the Public Order Enquiry Team is working to identify those involved in the attacks, as well as those organizing the disorder. The police will follow the evidence and present it to the Public Prosecution Service. Additionally, a request for additional officers from across the UK has been submitted to the National Police Co-ordination Centre to support policing operations.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher mentioned at a news conference that the PSNI has asked for 120 officers from Police Scotland to be deployed to Northern Ireland starting next week to help them prepare for any future disorder. He emphasized the importance of supporting all migrant and diverse communities in Northern Ireland, as they are feeling under threat and fear due to these attacks. It is crucial for everyone in Northern Ireland to come together and support these communities during this challenging time.