Violence spreads across Northern Ireland as police fire AEP rounds after second night of disorder

The scene on Wednesday evening outside Chimney Corner Hotel. (Image: NIbySky)

A second night of serious disorder across Northern Ireland has left police officers injured, businesses disrupted, transport services suspended and communities facing renewed uncertainty, as the PSNI launched a major operation to identify those responsible for violence on the streets.

Senior police officers say the unrest has now gone far beyond any form of legitimate protest, with petrol bombs, flares, masonry and other missiles used against officers, while vehicles and buildings were set on fire in several locations.

The latest violence on Wednesday night saw 16 people arrested, 12 police officers injured and public order tactics including water cannon, baton strikes and Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) deployed to restore order.

The scene on Wednesday evening outside Chimney Corner Hotel. (Image: NIbySky)

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson delivered a stark warning to those involved, saying the PSNI is actively pursuing suspects and expects significant further arrests as detectives work through evidence gathered during the disturbances.

Police condemn ‘thuggish minority’ behind violence

ACC Ryan Henderson with two of the Op Exposure images released to the public today. 

Speaking at a media briefing in Belfast on Thursday, ACC Henderson said the disorder had been driven by people intent on violence rather than peaceful protest.

“Firstly, I strongly condemn the disorder. This violent behaviour, by a thuggish minority, will not be tolerated,” he said.

“Last night, we saw significant disorder in Newtownabbey and Portadown. We used water cannon and fired 20 AEP to quell that disorder. We arrested 16 people, with two already charged, and 12 officers were injured, some by petrol bombs, following significant rioting.”

The senior officer said the impact was being felt far beyond those directly involved in the unrest.

“Yesterday, businesses shut their doors, trains were not running and we saw schools closing early due to fear. This is the impact these thugs are having.”

Glengormley among worst-hit areas

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the Antrim Road area of Glengormley, where police came under sustained attack.

Officers were targeted with flares and masonry while a bin lorry, a car and a vacant building were set alight. A hijacked van was also pushed towards police lines during the disturbance.

Police deployed water cannon throughout the operation, used baton strikes and discharged 15 AEP rounds in an effort to restore control.

Seven arrests were made in the Glengormley disorder alone.

Elsewhere, around 20 masked males blocked the West Circular Road in Belfast and threw missiles at police officers.

In Portadown, disorder centred on the Carleton Street area from around 9pm and continued for several hours. One police officer was injured and five arrests were made after AEP rounds were deployed.

Further disorder was reported on the Tullyalley Road in Derry/Londonderry, where bins were used to block roads and a police vehicle was damaged.

Charges brought as investigation expands

The scene on Wednesday evening near Chimney Corner Hotel. (Image: NIbySky)

Police have already begun bringing cases before the courts following the disturbances.

A 28-year-old man has been charged with failing to remove a disguise when requested, obstructing police and resisting police following disorder in Portadown.

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with disorderly behaviour and possession of an article with intent to do damage.

Both are due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

Separately, an 18-year-old man has been charged with riot in connection with an incident in Carrickfergus on Tuesday night in which a petrol bomb allegedly caused injuries to two police officers.

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

As with all prosecutions, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

PSNI launches public appeal to identify suspects

Images of two young men police have said they want to speak to (left) EXP26001 and (right) EXP26002

As investigations intensify, police have launched an “Op Exposure” campaign aimed at identifying individuals believed to have been involved in serious public disorder.

Images of people police wish to speak with have been released publicly, with further photographs expected as investigations continue.

ACC Henderson warned that those involved should expect to be identified and prosecuted.

“My message to those who have taken part in violence or are thinking of taking to our streets – the stakes for you are high. We will bring you to justice and I know the judiciary stands ready to give long sentences to those bringing disorder to our streets.”

Anyone with information, photographs, CCTV, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage is being urged to contact police.

Reports can be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ , by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ .

Firefighters faced dozens of incidents during unrest

The scale of the disruption was also highlighted by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, which responded to a surge in emergency incidents during Wednesday evening.

Between 7pm and midnight, NIFRS received 82 emergency calls resulting in crews being mobilised to 33 incidents across Northern Ireland.

Firefighters attended a range of emergencies including:

• Vehicle fires

• A lorry fire

• A house fire

• A derelict building fire

• Industrial bin fires

Incidents were reported across Belfast, Mallusk, Glengormley and Portadown.

Firefighters from Glengormley, Westland, Springfield, Knock and Portadown stations were involved in the response while crews also continued dealing with unrelated emergencies, including a road traffic collision in Bangor.

The Fire Service thanked firefighters for their commitment and the public for its ongoing support.

Health workers and international staff reassured amid tensions

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt condemned the violence and praised emergency service personnel who continued working throughout the unrest.

He described scenes in which fire crews were obstructed and, in some cases, attacked while responding to emergencies.

“We have witnessed absolutely unacceptable violence and disorder, inflicted on our communities by people with nothing to offer but division and destruction,” he said.

The Minister also voiced support for international healthcare workers following reports of intimidation and concern among some staff members.

“The HSC system in Northern Ireland has always, and continues to be, a welcoming and diverse workforce,” he said.

“People should be entitled to live and work in peace, free from harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible racist and xenophobic behaviour.”

He warned that preventing healthcare workers from reaching their workplaces could have serious consequences for health service delivery.

Infrastructure depot attacked as transport disruption continues

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins also condemned the violence after a Department for Infrastructure depot at Sandyknowes was broken into and a vehicle set on fire.

The attack came amid wider disruption that has already affected public transport services, businesses and communities across Northern Ireland.

“We are seeing another night of destruction and disruption, and this behaviour needs to be condemned in the strongest possible way,” she said.

“It is racism, it is intimidation and absolute thuggery.”

The Minister said the attacks were causing fear within communities and thanked police officers for their response.

Police prepare for further operations

With concerns over the potential for further unrest, the PSNI says officers will remain deployed in significant numbers across affected areas, supported by 200 mutual aid officers from police forces across Great Britain.

ACC Henderson said police would continue engaging with health organisations, businesses and minority communities while working to restore calm.

He stressed that peaceful protest remains a legitimate democratic right but said the violence witnessed over recent nights bore no resemblance to lawful protest.

For residents, businesses, schools and public services affected by the disorder, the focus now turns to whether further violence can be prevented and how quickly communities can return to normality after another deeply disruptive night across Northern Ireland.