‘Act of self-harm’: PSNI Chief Constable issues stark warning after night of disorder across Northern Ireland

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast today.

Disorder that spread across towns and cities in Northern Ireland overnight has been branded an “act of self-harm” against local communities by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, after violence left homes, businesses and public transport damaged and forced families to flee their homes with children.

The PSNI chief issued the stark warning during a media briefing at police headquarters in Belfast alongside Secretary of State Hilary Benn on Wednesday, following widespread unrest linked to the attempted murder of a man in north Belfast.

Violence and disorder flared in multiple locations on Tuesday night, including greater Belfast, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Greyabbey, Portadown, Armagh, Kilkeel, Bangor, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.

The unrest followed the attempted murder of a man in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries.

“This disorder is an insult to the victim of this assault, an insult to the members of the public who bravely stepped forward to save his life and the officers who rushed to the scene,” Chief Constable Boutcher said.

He warned that the criminal justice process must now be allowed to proceed without further violence spilling onto the streets.

“The criminal justice system needs to take its course. Let that follow due process. A man has appeared in court today charged with this attempted murder and, separately, another man has been charged with riot following the scenes in Newtownabbey. I’d appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to take control.

“If you have a niece, nephew, brother, sister or a member of your local sports club, if you’ve seen them at the disorder, stop them from coming out today. This has got to stop. We cannot have a society that allows this to happen.”

Homes attacked and families forced to flee

The Chief Constable revealed that police officers faced sustained attacks while trying to prevent further intimidation and violence during the disturbances.

He said businesses and homes had been attacked, while vehicles, including a police car and a Glider bus, were set on fire.

“As part of my forward planning I have now activated the request for Mutual Aid resources from policing colleagues to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days to come,” he said.

“We witnessed businesses and homes being attacked and damaged, along with cars, a police car and a Glider set on fire. As a result, many people are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods.

“A number of families, including a parent carrying their two-month-old baby, left their homes during the height of the disturbances.”

The scenes marked one of the most serious outbreaks of disorder seen across Northern Ireland in recent months, with police warning that tensions remain high and further unrest is possible.

Mutual aid activated as PSNI prepares for more unrest

Police confirmed that a large policing operation will remain in place across Northern Ireland in the days ahead.

Mutual aid support from other UK police services has now been requested as the PSNI prepares for potential further incidents and planned protests circulating online.

Chief Constable Boutcher said officers were already reviewing extensive video footage and online material as part of an expanding criminal investigation.

“Police officers came under attack and two were injured as a result. Water cannon was used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey during the course of our public safety operation.

“Three individuals have been arrested so far in Belfast and Newtownabbey with more to come. We have set up our Public Order Enquiry Team.

“This same team structure resulted in over 100 arrests following last year’s race-motivated disorder in Ballymena which cost around £5.6 million to police.

“All video and online footage is currently being reviewed and I assure you that further arrests and prosecutions will come.”

The reference to last year’s Ballymena disorder underlines growing concern within policing circles about the financial and social impact prolonged unrest can have on local communities, businesses and already stretched emergency services.

Chief Constable appeals directly to young people and communities

The PSNI chief made a direct appeal to those considering taking part in further disorder, warning them to think about the long-term consequences for themselves and their communities.

“I urge those involved or considering becoming involved in disorder to stop and think,” he said.

“Ask yourselves is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted over and potentially throwing away your future? Or the future of your children?

“I am appealing for calm over the coming days and again, urge anyone considering becoming involved in violence and disorder to think long and hard to think about the repercussions for themselves and their community.

“I understand that people have real concerns, but violence and harming your own communities is not the way. We need calm, considered approaches.”

Police also confirmed they are actively monitoring social media posts linked to planned protests and possible further disturbances.

“We are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland,” Chief Constable Boutcher added.

“A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.

“To those who might wish to protest and have their voice heard in the days ahead, please do so peacefully and lawfully.”

Public urged to provide information

The PSNI has urged anyone with information connected to the disorder or related incidents to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at: https://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Further updates are expected as police investigations continue and officers maintain an enhanced presence in communities across Northern Ireland.