Businesses and cars set on fire after Belfast anti-immigration protests turn violent

Businesses and cars were set on fire in south Belfast on Saturday night as fresh disorder broke out in the city following anti-immigration protests.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) maintained a presence in the Donegall Road area in the south of the city as firefighters battled a number of blazes.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed four crews dealt with a café on fire on Donegall Road shortly before 10pm.

Firefighters were back in the area an hour later after reports just before 11pm of a shop on fore on Donegall Road.

One of the premises attacked was below an apartment block.

Crews eventually left the area at 12.23am.

During violence earlier in the day, businesses were attacked after an anti-immigration protest moved through the city.

Several people, including young children, were inside a barbers shop on Sandy Row when it was attacked.

Hotels and a café were also damaged in the Botanic Avenue area.

Giving an update on Saturday night, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight.

“This disorder has resulted in a business premises being set on fire.

“The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas.”

Earlier in the day, police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.

People taking part in the anti-Islam demonstration then travelled towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area.

A number of businesses were then attacked in the Botanic area of the city.

A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport.

Stormont leaders have condemned the violence in Belfast.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Belfast is a “progressive and inclusive city”.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Belfast is a “progressive and inclusive city”.

She wrote on social media: “Years of dedication and hard work from people across our community have transformed it for the better.

“Together, we will keep moving forward toward a brighter future for Belfast. A city that flourishes, free from hate and division.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it.

“Let’s be VERY clear – violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now.”

Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said “those trashing our city and attacking businesses should be ashamed”.

She added: “They should also face the full legal consequences of their actions. Unlike those working to build businesses and a better future, these hatemongers offer nothing but division and destruction.”

In a post on X, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today.

“Hatred has no place in our society.

“I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe.”

In a statement, South Belfast DUP MLA Edwin Poots described the violence as “totally wrong and unacceptable”.

He said: “Many of those engaged in the violence are not local and many in the local community are expressing their unhappiness at the rioting.

“People are angry and frustrated. Over the course of the last year Councillor Tracy Kelly and I have raised many issues affecting communities in south Belfast, which government bodies have largely ignored.

“Acts of violence and destruction of the area which we are trying to get investment into is totally counterproductive.

“Working people are being driven out of the community because housing is unaffordable and unattainable. Essential services such as access to GPs and dentists are incredibly difficult to access.

“It is essential that we meet the needs of people who have lived in an area for generations. This will only be achieved through engagement, and by government bodies listening and acting to meet those needs. Violence will solve nothing.”