Anti-immigration unrest: Arson attack on north Belfast house - but police say violence reduced as it 'engages to de-escalate'
There was an arson incident at a house in north Belfast last night – but overall anti-immigration disorder was much reduced last night, according to the PSNI.
It said there were protests at “a number of locations”, including in Newtownabbey, where violence had flared over two previous nights, but that these were peaceful.
"Officers engaged with participants supporting their right to express their views lawfully,” said the force.
However, police said there was an arson attack on a house in the Shore Road area of north Belfast at about 10.20pm.
The PSNI said: “The property was unoccupied at the time.
"Two neighbouring properties also sustained damage as a result of this attack, which is being treated a hate-motivated arson.”
There were also reports of “race-hate graffiti” in the Dee Street and Newtownards Road area of east Belfast, and there was criminal damage to a vehicle in the Taughmonagh area of south Belfast.
A 27-year-old male threw a stone at a police vehicle during a mobile patrol in Abbeyville Court in, Whiteabbey, Newtownabbey, and he was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.
A 16-year-old male was last night arrested in Londonderry for riotous behaviour on the previous night.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Our heightened presence in our local communities and engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night.
"Thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days.
"Our policing operation will remain over the weekend to ensure public order is maintained."
There have been 19 arrests so far this week, and police are trying to trace a number of suspects who were filmed during disorder.