Northern Ireland Police Arrest 19 Over Disorder as Arson Hits Belfast House
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 12
Northern Ireland Police Arrest 19 Over Disorder as Arson Hits Belfast House
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 12
Summary
Nineteen people, including a 16-year-old boy, have now been arrested after several nights of disorder in Northern Ireland, while police linked a Thursday arson attack on a north Belfast house to the unrest.
Thursday was markedly calmer than earlier nights, with peaceful protests in some locations and no major public-order incidents, but PSNI said its policing operation will stay in place through the weekend.
The violence was triggered after footage of a Monday knife attack in north Belfast spread on social media; a 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder over the attack on Stephen Ogilvie.
12 officers were injured during Wednesday's unrest, when homes, businesses and vehicles were targeted and police used water cannon in places including Glengormley and Portadown.
Healthcare workers from overseas say the attacks and race-hate graffiti have left families homeless, staff fearful and some workers already leaving Northern Ireland, raising concerns over recruitment.