Belfast witnessed a harrowing scene as petrol bombs were launched at police during a second night of far-right extremism in the city. The violence, centered around the Sandy Row and Donegall Road areas, saw rioters hurling missiles at multiple police vans, resulting in several vehicles being set ablaze.
Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the attack, showing one police vehicle engulfed in flames while others hastily retreated. About a dozen individuals, masked with balaclavas, continued to launch petrol bombs, igniting small fires in the vicinity of the targeted vans.
A police message broadcast through megaphones urged the crowd to disperse immediately, warning that force would be used against violent individuals without further notice.
The unrest unfolded amid a planned anti-immigration protest near the Clayton Hotel, which ultimately did not materialize but drew around 100 people onto the streets. Businesses, including a café and shops, were targeted during the violence, with some owners alleging deliberate attacks on the Islamic community.
In response to the escalating situation, officers in riot gear cordoned off streets in a show of ‘zero tolerance’ towards violence. Police also issued warnings advising the public to avoid certain areas of the city for safety reasons.
The aftermath of the disturbances saw four individuals appearing in court on Monday to face charges related to the unrest. The incidents in Belfast were part of broader anti-immigration protests that erupted in several cities over the weekend, underscoring heightened tensions and security concerns across the region.
Related topic:
What is the Ethanol Content of Regular Gasoline?
