Attacks in South Belfast punished as hate crimes

Police are investigating “hate crimes” and have arrested two people after “property damage” occurred during riots in south Belfast on Saturday.

Previously, there had been tense clashes between anti-immigration and anti-racist protesters in front of the town hall.

The crowd shouted slogans at each other while police in riot gear were deployed.

A cafe on Botanic Avenue was later attacked by a crowd of anti-immigration protesters heading towards the Holylands area of ​​south Belfast.

Demonstrators threw projectiles at media representatives.

A police announcement asked the crowd to disperse because “violence would be used.”

Police said on Saturday evening that they “continue to experience protests and isolated disturbances in the South Belfast area and are aware of a number of reports of property damage, which we are currently treating as hate crimes.”

Windows were smashed and furniture broken at the cafe on Botanic Avenue.

The owner told BBC News NI he was “at a loss for words”.

“No reason”

Rahmi, who has lived in Belfast for 35 years, said he did not know “how to explain” what had happened to his children.

He said he “doesn't blame anyone” but said there was “no security at all” and said there could have been more police presence as “the parade” passed through the area.

He added that it was “terrible” that his business had been attacked “for no reason”.

Karl Duncan of Londonderry was downtown earlier and saw protesters throwing fireworks.

He said it fell “right next to me” and a woman, “went off” and “injured her” before “she fell to the ground.”

He said the woman fell to the ground “quite hard.”

“We need to send a message and say that the anti-immigrant protesters do not represent this place,” he said.

Warning to disperse

A large police cordon was set up on all streets around the city's Islamic center.

Church leaders in Northern Ireland said on Friday they were “appalled” by calls for “anti-Islamic” protests this weekend.

Numerous social media posts called for people to gather and block roads in Greater Belfast and elsewhere.

The police had stated that they were aware of the social media posts and were planning a “proportionate police response”.