PSNI welcomes decrease in disorder across Northern Ireland as arrests and investigations continue

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has welcomed a noticeable reduction in public disorder over the past six days, following intensified policing efforts and continued engagement with local communities.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Melanie Jones praised the response from officers and the impact of community engagement, saying:

“Our heightened presence in our local communities and continued community engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night, but thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days.”

Despite the relative calm, officers responded to sporadic disturbances in multiple areas. These included an attempted criminal damage incident in Carrickfergus, which led to a 40-year-old man being charged to appear in court next month.

In Lurgan, police arrested two boys aged 14 and 12 following reports of bottles being thrown at properties. Both were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later street bailed.

In a separate development, detectives arrested a 32-year-old man in the Larne area on Saturday, 13 June, on suspicion of encouraging or assisting offences in connection with disorder-related online posts. He was also arrested for possession of a Class B controlled drug and remains in custody.

ACC Jones reiterated the force’s appeal to families to play a role in preventing young people from being drawn into criminality:

“I issued a public plea to parent/guardians and families of young people who have been driving the criminal activity in some areas to warn them of the serious consequences of their actions. I am asking for continued conversations amongst local families to deter young people from criminalising themselves.”

Ongoing investigations and public appeals

Police say the Public Order Enquiry Team is working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the unrest.

“Our Chief Constable and other members of the senior team have been meeting with local community representatives of those affected over the weekend so we can support them as best we can and offer reassurance of our policing operation to restore calm,” ACC Jones said.

To date, the PSNI has made 24 arrests, 14 of which have resulted in charges. Officers continue to maintain both a physical and online presence to monitor ongoing risks and prevent further disorder.

The PSNI has also released images of individuals they wish to speak with as part of the investigation. ACC Jones urged public cooperation:

“It is in all of our interests, and in the interests of justice, that those responsible are dealt with and I would urge anyone who may have information to bring it forward.”

Anyone with information or who can identify individuals shown in released images is encouraged to contact police on 101 or submit details via the Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1.

Support for officers and communities

ACC Jones paid tribute to frontline officers who have faced ongoing hostility while carrying out their duties:

“Sixty-four of our colleagues have been injured and I commend their bravery and determination. Their unwavering efforts over the last number of days have resulted in a reduction of disorder.”

She added:

“To come under sustained attack when you are there to serve and protect all is disheartening to say the least. They have been steadfast in their commitment to restore peace and I am proud of them all.”

The police continue to offer reassurance to affected communities and emphasise their ongoing commitment to keeping streets safe.

Appeal for calm and information sharing

As investigations progress, the PSNI continues to urge calm across Northern Ireland.

“We are grateful for the support of all who condemn this criminality and would, once more, repeat our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days,” said ACC Jones.

Footage and images, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam recordings, can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal. Reports can also be made online through the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.