PSNI rejects criticism over disorder response as police say officers ‘undoubtedly saved lives’

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has strongly defended its handling of the recent nights of public disorder across Belfast and beyond, insisting officers “acted appropriately and undoubtedly saved lives” amid scenes that saw homes and vehicles set alight, families forced to flee, and dozens of officers injured.

The robust response comes amid criticism of policing tactics during the unrest, which erupted in the days following the attempted murder of a man in Belfast’s Kinnaird Avenue and spread into widespread disorder across a number of communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police officers had faced “incredibly challenging conditions” while working to restore order and protect the public, rejecting claims that the PSNI response had been inadequate.

Police say officers prevented greater loss of life

ACC Henderson said officers had moved quickly following the attempted murder investigation, arresting and charging a suspect within 24 hours while appealing for calm and allowing the justice process to proceed.

However, he said the situation rapidly escalated into what he described as “inexcusable lawlessness and disorder”.

“During the peak of the disorder, people intent on chaos came out to burn homes and cars with people fleeing,” he said.

“Police officers were first to many of these scenes and helped people to safety, including a two-month-old baby.”

The senior officer said responsibility for the violence rested entirely with those who participated in it.

“Responsibility for the violence, criminal damage, intimidation and disorder lies squarely with those who came out on the streets,” he said.

42 officers injured during unrest

The PSNI has also revealed the scale of the impact on its own officers, with 42 personnel injured while responding to incidents linked to the disorder.

ACC Henderson paid tribute to officers involved in the operation, describing their conduct as professional and courageous despite coming under attack.

“I want to pay the highest tribute to our officers, who displayed unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve. Once again putting themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe resulting in unacceptable injuries to 42 of them – they are a credit to us all,” he said.

The PSNI has also pushed back against allegations that its response was ineffective.

“We reject claims that our response was anything other than appropriate,” ACC Henderson said.

35 arrests and 23 court charges so far

Police say extensive investigations remain ongoing and significant enforcement action has already been taken.

According to the PSNI, the dedicated Public Order Enquiry Team has so far made 35 arrests, while 23 people have been charged and brought before the courts.

Those charged face a range of allegations including:

• Riotous behaviour

• Attempted criminal damage

• Possession of an offensive weapon

• Possession of an article with intent to damage property

• Disorderly behaviour

• Assault on a police-designated person

ACC Henderson warned that further action would follow.

“We have been working night and day to ensure those who chose to bring violence to our streets are brought to justice,” he said.

“Those responsible will face the full force of the law.”

Police highlight role of social media misinformation

The PSNI also pointed to what it described as a significant volume of anti-immigration misinformation circulating online throughout the disorder.

ACC Henderson said false and inflammatory content had contributed to fear and misunderstanding within communities.

“Throughout the disorder, there has been extreme, anti-immigration disinformation on social media,” he said.

“Underscoring the reality that there are those in society who seek to use any incident in our communities to create misunderstanding, generate fear and provoke anti-migrant sentiment.”

The senior officer said police would continue using digital engagement and community policing operations to help prevent further disorder and encourage people to avoid becoming involved in criminal activity.

Extra protection deployed for healthcare workers

In a second statement, ACC Henderson addressed concerns raised by healthcare staff following reports of intimidation and threats during the unrest.

He revealed that among those rescued from homes during the first night of disorder were healthcare workers, while reports had also emerged of threats directed towards nurses, carers and other frontline health professionals.

“In order to help protect and reassure health staff, I and my teams have been working directly with our Health Trusts and the hugely important Independent Health Sector to listen to their worries and see how we could help,” he said.

The PSNI has also engaged directly with the Royal College of Nursing and UNISON to discuss concerns and provide reassurance.

As a result, additional police resources have been deployed around hospitals and healthcare facilities, alongside crime prevention sessions aimed at supporting staff.

ACC Henderson said the additional support had been well received by healthcare workers.

Police investigating claims linked to Mater Hospital staff

The PSNI also addressed reports circulating on social media alleging police officers advised nursing staff near the Mater Hospital to show identification to masked individuals.

ACC Henderson said police are actively examining records from the evening in question and have engaged directly with senior Belfast Trust officials and staff at the hospital.

“We are aware of reports circulating that police officers may have advised nursing staff outside the Mater Hospital to show their ID to masked men,” he said.

“We are checking our records of Tuesday evening to establish if we can identify any specific reports.”

He added that no formal reports have yet been made directly to police regarding the allegation.

“No one has come to police directly at this stage and we would urge anyone who experienced this or who has information to contact us on 101.”

Heightened police presence to remain

The PSNI says communities across Northern Ireland can expect to continue seeing an increased police presence in towns and cities in the coming days as efforts continue to prevent further unrest and reassure the public.

Police have again appealed for anyone with information relating to criminal activity, disorder, intimidation or violence to come forward.

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

The force says its focus remains on protecting communities, preventing further harm and ensuring those responsible for violence and disorder are identified and brought before the courts.