Thousands of counter protestors have gathered at Belfast City Hall, opposite participants of an anti-migrant rally.
A number of businesses, organisations and libraries across Belfast closed early today and police undertook a “significant” operation in the city centre “to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression”.
Motorists had been advised to expect disruption around Donegall Square and in Wellington Place up to 7pm with knock-on delays as a result – the area has since reopened to traffic as crowds dispersed.
This evening, King Charles has addressed rioting across the UK in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.
It it, the monarch thanked emergency services for “all they are doing to restore peace”.
The PSNI said earlier this evening that 26 arrests have been made so far following recent disorder across Belfast, with 21 people charged.
From today, police will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said.
Read more
We’ll bring the latest news on our live blog below:
Large police presence in Belfast City Centre ahead of a planned anti-immigration protest
Key updates
King Charles thanks emergency services for ‘restoring peace’ following riots
Arrests update
A happy day for one couple despite protests
PSNI to have special powers to stop and search and demand removal of face coverings
King Charles thanks emergency services for ‘restoring peace’ following riots
The King has thanked emergency services for “all they are doing to restore peace” following rioting in parts of the country in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
In a phone call with the Prime Minister and a separate joint call with the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex, on Friday evening, Charles was updated on the situation, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
The spokesman said: “In addition to the private calls His Majesty has been making throughout the week concerning recent events – and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities – this evening the King held a phone audience with the Prime Minister, and additionally had a joint call with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex.
“In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder.
“Additionally, the King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.
“It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.”
City Hall traffic update
The area around Belfast City Hall – Chichester Street, Donegall Square North, West and East – is now open to traffic again.
Arrests update
Police have now made a total of 26 arrests as part of the ongoing investigation into the public disorder over recent days.
To date, 21 people have been charged in relation to a number of related offences.
To date, 21 people have been charged in relation to a number of related offences.
Sinn Fein politicians at anti-racism rally
Gerry Kelly, Pat Finucane and Paul Maskey are all at the anti-racism rally
A very Northern Irish protest placard
Police make further arrest
A 61-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating public disorder over recent days.
The man, who was arrested on suspicion of riot on Friday 9th August, remains in police custody at this time.
The man, who was arrested on suspicion of riot on Friday 9th August, remains in police custody at this time.
Crowd chants ‘Oh Tommy Robinson’ at protest
Anti-racism protesters’ taunting chant
The anti-racism protestors have been chanting “‘there are many, many more of us than you” to those on the other side
Both sides of protesters separated by line of police Land Rovers
Roads closed around City Hall due to protests
The PSNI confirms the area around Belfast City Hall – Chichester Street, Donegall Square North, West and East – are currently closed due to the ongoing protests.
A happy day for one couple despite protests
There was cause for optimism for one couple as they celebrated their wedding in Belfast city centre.
Surrounded by a significant police presence and throngs of protestors, the as-yet unnamed pair were the picture of happiness after getting married.
While many shops and other amenities were closed due to the planned protests, the newlyweds showed life goes on as they crossed the road outside Belfast City Hall.
If you know the newlyweds, get in touch at [email protected]
Surrounded by a significant police presence and throngs of protestors, the as-yet unnamed pair were the picture of happiness after getting married.
While many shops and other amenities were closed due to the planned protests, the newlyweds showed life goes on as they crossed the road outside Belfast City Hall.
If you know the newlyweds, get in touch at [email protected]
Chants from anti-racism rally
There are chants coming from the anti racism crowd.
“Belfast is anti facist”
“Refugees are welcome here”
“Migrant rights workers rights, same struggle’
“Belfast is anti facist”
“Refugees are welcome here”
“Migrant rights workers rights, same struggle’
Posters being held up by anti-immigration protesters
Anti-immigration protestors arriving
A small number of anti-immigration protesters have arrived in Belfast city centre, where thousands of counter-protestors have already gathered – along with a heavy police presence.
Allison Morris reports from Belfast City Hall
Among the crowd are politicians from Sinn Fein including MP John Finucane and People Before Profit councillor Michael Collins. Representatives from Unite and NIPSA also present
Allison Morris reports from Belfast City Hall
Counter protestors have gathered outside Belfast City Hall holding anti-racism banners and placards. So far there is music playing and a relaxed atmosphere
Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Large police presence in Belfast city centre
Thousands at counter protest
There is no sign of any anti-migrant protestors at Belfast City Hall currently, although already thousands have gathered for a counter protest.
DUP MLA Edwin Poots issues statement urging calm
Last Saturday evening I condemned the violence which had broken out in South Belfast and, over the past few days, as Speaker, I led the arrangements for the Assembly to come together yesterday to call for the violence to end. While as Speaker I could not take part in that debate, as a constituency representative, over the past week I and my office, have been engaging with victims of racist attacks, PSNI, community organisations, local businesses, and many individuals in this very diverse community.
The rioting has been devastating primarily to the victims but it has also been immensely harmful to the wider community.
As we approach this weekend, I would urge calm and restraint and for individuals not to get involved in violence of any kind. Already, a considerable number of people have been charged with offences, which will likely lead to prison sentences.
Very often, faceless people on social media encourage people on to the streets but leave others to take part and carry the consequences. It is clear that everyone loses out of violence. There is no justification for it and, if anything, it will make attracting investment and securing solutions to other local issues for every part of our community, much more difficult.