Racism, vandalism and hate are not who we are

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland says hate-filled racism and far right thuggery ‘are not who we are’ and must stop before innocent people are hurt.

PFNI Chair, Liam Kelly, says scenes witnessed in Belfast on Saturday were disgraceful and totally unacceptable. 

Mr Kelly said: “Innocent people and their businesses were singled out by thugs intent on inflicting damage. They were attempting to terrorise good people who have made Northern Ireland their home and have brought a cultural diversity and richness to wider society.

“Once again, our officers were caught up in a dynamic, fast-changing situation in Belfast city centre and elsewhere. They did all they could to curtail the thugs who wanted to do damage and attack businesses owned by people of colour or different religious faiths. 

“Our teams showed professionalism throughout in the face of such hate filled racism and far right thuggery. This is not who we are. This is not the Belfast that has made great progress. Hate has no place on our streets and it has to stop before is causes further damage or results in innocent people being hurt by the baying mob.”