Key facts
- Protests in Whiteabbey and east Belfast on Thursday passed without incident.
- Police stated there is no evidence loyalist paramilitaries are coordinating the unrest.
- Significant coordination from social media activity, both domestic and international, was cited as a driver.
- 12 police officers were injured and 16 people arrested during unrest on Wednesday night.
- Police increased their presence across Northern Ireland ahead of Thursday's protests.
Protests in Northern Ireland concluded without incident on Thursday evening, following two nights of unrest. Police reported that approximately 170 people gathered in Whiteabbey and around 100 in east Belfast, with both groups dispersing peacefully.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest loyalist paramilitaries are coordinating the unrest. Instead, he pointed to significant coordination originating from social media activity, with contributions from individuals both within and outside of Northern Ireland. Henderson urged an end to this "toxicity" that is driving people to the streets.
Wednesday night saw 12 police officers injured and 16 arrests made. In response, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) increased its presence across the region on Thursday, bringing in additional officers from other UK forces.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the "dangerous and disgraceful racist attacks" that have occurred in recent days, while also highlighting the positive work being done by community members to support one another, describing this spirit of solidarity as "the very best of us."