Violence eases but PSNI keeps operation in place as 19 arrests made this week

A significant reduction in disorder was recorded across Northern Ireland on Thursday night, with police reporting a much calmer situation after several days of unrest, but senior officers have warned that an extensive policing operation will remain in place over the weekend.

The update from the PSNI comes after a week of disturbances that have led to 19 arrests, multiple criminal investigations and a series of court appearances, with detectives continuing efforts to identify those involved.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police maintained a heightened presence in communities across Northern Ireland on Thursday night while continuing engagement efforts aimed at preventing further violence.

“The situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days,” he said.

“Our policing operation will remain over the weekend to ensure public order is maintained.”

Peaceful protests replace major disorder

According to police, a number of demonstrations took place without significant incident, including a protest in Newtownabbey where officers engaged with participants while facilitating their right to express their views lawfully.

While large-scale disorder was avoided, police still responded to a number of lower-level incidents and disturbances during the evening.

Three arrests were made across Northern Ireland.

One arrest related to disorder that occurred on Wednesday, while another involved a man detained following criminal damage to a vehicle in the Taughmonagh area of south Belfast.

In Newtownabbey, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour after allegedly throwing a stone at a police vehicle during a mobile patrol in Abbeyville Court.

Police also reported no significant disorder in Derry/Londonderry overnight, although a 16-year-old male was arrested for riotous behaviour linked to incidents on Wednesday evening.

Hate crime and arson investigations continue

Despite the reduction in public disorder, officers are continuing to investigate a number of serious incidents reported overnight.

An arson attack was reported at a house in the Shore Road area of north Belfast.

Police also received reports of race-hate graffiti in the Dee Street and Newtownards Road areas of east Belfast.

Both incidents form part of ongoing investigations as officers work to prevent tensions escalating further.

Public Order Enquiry Team working around the clock

ACC Henderson said detectives continue to pursue those responsible for disorder seen earlier in the week.

“There have been 19 arrests so far this week with people already charged to court,” he said.

“Our Public Order Enquiry Team is working day and night to identify those who have been involved in the disorder over the last number of days.”

Police have repeatedly warned that further arrests are expected as officers continue reviewing evidence gathered from across Northern Ireland.

Police renew appeal for information and footage

The PSNI is urging anyone with information, images or video footage relating to recent incidents to come forward.

Members of the public can:

• Submit a non-emergency report online at: www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

• Contact police by calling 101

• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

• Upload CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage through the Major Incident Public Portal at: www.mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W14-PO1

Police are also continuing to release images of individuals they wish to speak to in connection with recent disorder through Operation Exposure, which can be viewed at: www.psni.police.uk/news/op-exposure-june-2026

While Thursday night brought a notable reduction in unrest, the PSNI has made clear that officers will remain deployed in force across Northern Ireland in the coming days as investigations continue and authorities seek to prevent any return to widespread disorder.