by Violence flared in Belfast and businesses were attacked after an anti-immigration protest moved through the city.
The police mounted a significant security operation during a prolonged confrontation between the protesters and those who took part in an anti-racism rally at the City Hall in which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.
The anti-Islam demonstration then moved towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area.
Police said they are treating reports of criminal damage as hate crimes and said two arrests have been made.
A number of social media messages have been shared throughout the week asking people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere following the murders of three young children in Southport.
In response, an anti-racist protest was organized for City Hall, with hundreds of people present, shouting anti-Nazi slogans and chanting in favor of immigration.
Some people wore Palestinian flags and trade union banners at the event.
SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, Alliance Party MLA Paula Bradshaw and Amnesty UK’s Patrick Corrigan were among those who gave speeches.
As the event took place, some anti-immigration protesters gathered across the road and verbal insults were exchanged.
The group chanted “Islam out” and waved Union flags.
The anti-Islamic protest also had three Irish colors when a delegation came from Coolock, the scene of the recent anti-immigrant protests in Dublin.
After several fireworks were set off, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Land Rovers and officers in riot gear moved in to create a physical barrier to separate the groups.
It continued for some time, with more missiles being thrown.
Officers were seen making an arrest and an ambulance treated one person who was injured.
Social media posts throughout the week suggested the anti-immigration protest would then move towards the city’s Islamic Centre.
However, the police blocked several roads in the city and the protesters ended up fighting the police in the university area of the city.
The crowd attacked a cafe on Botanic Avenue as they made their way through south Belfast and windows were broken in a hotel on University Road.
They then moved towards the Lower Ormeau nationalist section of the city where there were angry clashes with local residents.
Police in riot gear and holding shields moved in formation, sending the protesters up University Road and off Ormeau Road.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: “We dealt with a number of protest sites across Northern Ireland today, including a significant protest and counter-protest at Belfast City Hall.
“Many of these have affected the road network. A number of roads were closed, including the M5, Wellington Place and Shore Road for a short time.
“We continue to deal with disturbing protest activity and disorder in the South Belfast area and we are aware that we are currently dealing with a number of reports of criminal damage as hate crimes.
“An investigation has begun and so far we have made two arrests.”
He added: “We would like to thank the public for their patience with the disruption and also put on record our support for the community leaders who worked to resolve the situation.”
Mr Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director, said: “The violence unleashed by racists on the streets of Belfast today is unacceptable.
“These thugs act not out of love for country but out of hatred for others.
“Despite the actions of this small minority, Belfast is and always will be a city of love, a city of refuge and a city of welcome.”
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey was on the ground during clashes on Ormeau Road.
In a social media post she said: “I have just visited local businesses that were attacked by fascists today in South Belfast to offer my solidarity and support.
“Our community stood together today in Belfast and on Ormeau Road against racism and prejudice. We say NO to hate.”
In a post on X, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today.
“Hatred has no place in our society.
“I commend the PSNI officers for everything they have done to keep people safe.”
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Belfast is a “progressive and inclusive city”.
She wrote on social media: “Years of commitment and hard work from people across our community have changed it for the better.
“Together, we will continue to move forward towards a brighter future for Belfast. A city that flourishes, free from hate and separation.”
Coalition Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long said “those who are littering our city and attacking businesses should be ashamed”.
She added: “They should also face the full legal consequences of their actions. Unlike those who are working to build businesses and a better future, these haters only divide and destroy.”
