Keep going out in Belfast, says new police chief after city rocked by violence
People need to keep ‘shopping, dining and attending events’ in Northern Ireland’s capital city, its newly-appointed police chief has said after Belfast was rocked by nights of violence.
Chief Superintendent Amanda Ford was announced as the city’s new area commander less than a fortnight ago. A few days after she took the top seat, Belfast was shocked by a horrifying knife attack on a city street; on Tuesday, anti-immigration protests sparked serious disorder, with houses attacked and cars burned out.
Businesses across the city shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Translink axed public transport citywide three days in a row citing safety concerns.
With Belfast trying to get back to normal today, the high-ranking officer met with representatives of city businesses, its council and the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Pledging to have “an increased policing presence” across the city centre as a result of the disorder, she stated: “It is clear from today’s meeting that Belfast city centre is very much open for business, which includes normal public transport and late night services.
“Belfast has built a reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and resilient city. The overwhelming majority of businesses are continuing to operate as normal, and we encourage people to continue supporting the city centre by shopping, dining, attending events and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.
“Our shared focus is on moving forward with confidence and ensuring that Belfast continues to grow and prosper for everyone who works, lives in and visits the city.”
The boosted PSNI presence, she added, will “provide reassurance and support for everyone who lives, works, visits and invests here”.
Stated the area commander: “[This morning] was an extremely positive meeting which allowed members of the business community to raise issues and concerns around the negative impact the disorder has caused.
“As we are well aware, this is already an extremely challenging financial environment for business owners to operate and the recent disorder has been another difficult factor to face.”
Speaking separately from the senior officer, Translink has said it intends to run Belfast’s buses and trains as normal on Friday, including event travel to the first night of the Belsonic festival in Ormeau Park and late night public transport services.