Two people were arrested following a night of disorder in Portadown which saw 22 officers injured.
The PSNI has condemned a fourth consecutive night of disorder across NI and, in particular, “significant disorder and violence in Portadown over a number of hours”.
They said officers came under sustained attack with heavy masonry and fireworks thrown in their direction.
Twenty-two officers were injured.
Officers utilised various public order tactics to keep the public safe with no reports of injury to the public or damage to property.
Two arrests were made in Portadown – a woman in her 50s and a man in his 30s – on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Last night in Portadown police came under sustained attack from rioters throwing masonry and other missiles. Officers deployed a variety of public order tactics to restore order to the town as quickly as possible.
“Twenty-two officers were injured and I am so grateful to them for their bravery and selfless dedication in protecting the community of Portadown from this criminality.
“We saw calm in Ballymena and I hope the powerful words of the family who asked for calm during this really difficult time were heard and continue to be heard over the coming days.
“Two arrests were made in Portadown last night and more will follow.
“I repeat, once more, our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.”
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
There was some protest reported in Belfast – these were mainly peaceful – with travel disrupted in the Templemore Avenue area of east Belfast for short time. Bricks were thrown through the windows of two houses in the Avoniel Road in a racially-motivated attack.
There was a protest at Carrick roundabout and a small fire at the Manse Road roundabout in Newtownabbey. With reports of anti-immigration hate graffiti being investigating in Newtownards.
A house fire in the Mount Street area of Coleraine is being treated as deliberate and a racially-motivated hate crime. A family with three young children were evacuated from this property.
Ballymena did not witness the same scenes of rioting as previous nights.
Concerns over policing
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said she will be raising concerns with police commanders directly.
She said: “The cleanup operation is going on after some disorder last night. I would once again urge people to keep calm heads and encourage everyone to remain measured and responsible in the days ahead.
“Violence is not the answer, it never has been, and it never will be. The hypocrisy of those with convictions for serious crimes and acts of terrorism, or who celebrate those who committed these acts of terror, now attempting to lecture others on right and wrong is not lost on the wider community, and is certainly not helpful.
“There are very real concerns about how last night’s policing operation was carried out. Having been on the ground last night, I have requested an urgent meeting with the local police commanders to raise these concerns directly. There must be accountability and a clear understanding of how this situation unfolded, so that future policing operations are proportionate, responsible, and respectful of the communities they affect.
“I do understand that policing on occasions has to react to what is unfolding and my thoughts are with the officers on the ground, who bear the brunt of this and are simply following orders, some whom were injured carrying out their duties. Violence and attacks on the police are not the way forward.
“As ever I am available to assist and discuss any concerns.”
Condemnation
Meanwhile, the Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell condemned the violence witnessed across NI ove rthe last number of nights.
“The scenes of violence which have taken place over this week in some of our towns are a source of great shame for Northern Ireland. Hiding behind the figment of “legitimate concerns” but in fact motivated by crude racism, groups of young men (and the shadowy and unaccountable people who control them) planned and carried out attacks on civil society and on democracy. The damage they have caused is not just material; it cannot be simply swept away.
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, called to respect the dignity of every person made in the image and likeness of God, we should put ourselves in the shoes of someone trapped inside a house or a hostel while an angry mob gathers outside. It must be utterly terrifying. Imagine the lasting impact of such terror on a child.
“The people who are the target of such squalid protests have come to this country to make a new life and to make a living. Just as we would rightly refuse to be judged by the criminal actions of any individual who happens to be from the same nationality or ethnicity as us, so we should question those who do so of others.
“As with many people I, too, have legitimate concerns. I am concerned that when family members can no longer care for themselves and are at their most vulnerable, there won’t be skilled assistants and carers to help look after them. Or that when I go to hospital, there won’t be nurses and doctors from around the globe to provide expert treatment and care. Or that so many of the industries crucial to a flourishing Northern Ireland – from agriculture to the arts, from restaurants to R&D – will wither without workers being respected and valued, regardless of their background.
“I have also a legitimate concern that the scapegoating of people whose skin is a different colour, who speak different languages or who practice a different faith, will allow policymakers to continue to ignore the actual, deep-seated problems which make Northern Ireland a place of low productivity and social and political unease.
“Above all, I have a concern that speaking about other people and cultures in sub-human and certainly sub-Christian terms, and acting towards them as though they are in some way inferior to me, will deaden my soul to the love of the God of all nations, whose Son allowed Himself to be bowed to the ground to bring an end once and for all to every ethnic division.”
