According to the PSNI, there is “no doubt” that recent violence in Belfast had a loyalist paramilitary connection, reports RTE.
For the second time in the last 48 hours, unrest broke out Friday night in south Belfast’s Sandy Row neighbourhood.
The Ulster Defence Association is well-represented and influential in this region, which is near to the city core.
Last night, a significant number of armoured Land Rovers and around 300 police officers dressed in riot gear were stationed in the vicinity.
A small group of rioters, the majority of whom were youths, assaulted police with rocks, petrol bombs, and other objects, reports RTE.
They also targeted a Syrian family’s store once more, which was nearly completely destroyed when it caught fire on Saturday night during an anti-immigration demonstration in the city centre.
Police put out the fire that had been started again in the business, which is located on the ground level of a structure with residential units on the higher floors.
A racially motivated assault that left a man in his 50s with significant injuries is being investigated as a hate crime.
While members of the public attempted to shelter him, witnesses reportedly saw attackers stamp on his head, according to police reports, reports RTE.
Two plastic bullets were shot during the disturbance, according to the PSNI, and one of the rioters was injured in the hand.
A 15-year-old kid is being held by the police after being taken into jail on charges of rioting.
During a news conference held at the PSNI headquarters this afternoon, Melanie Jones, the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, was questioned about whether the use of plastic bullets was appropriate considering the age range and limited number of rioters.
“The justification is always predicated on the evaluation made at the moment on the risks to the police, the community at large, and the properties. The police commanders on the ground yesterday night carefully assessed this high-end technique. I have no doubt that it was the appropriate course of action,” RTE said.
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