A number of Belfast businesses, organisations and libraries across the city have announced plans to close early today amid further planned protests.
The protests planned come at the same time as a number of concerts taking place in the city centre and the usual end-of-week rush hour.
The PSNI said today that 23 arrests have been made so far following recent disorder across Belfast, with 15 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.
She added that it is the “own decision” of businesses if they choose to close early today.
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We’ll bring the latest news on our live blog below:
PSNI given ‘special powers’ while Belfast businesses to close early as city gears up for potential disorder
Key updates
Translink urge passengers to be aware of potential disruption
PSNI to have special powers to stop and search and demand removal of face coverings
Police say 23 people have been arrested following disorder
Belfast restaurant confirms they will be closed on Friday over ‘staff safety’ concerns
What is planned for later today?
Popular Belfast eatery closing early
A popular Union Street eatery has said they are closing early today, following a raft of other businesses shutting their doors due to planned protests.
Spaghetti Arms – known for their wide range of daytime food and late-night street food – said in a post: “Due to the planned protest today in Belfast Spaghetti Arms will be closing at 3pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Stay safe.”
Spaghetti Arms – known for their wide range of daytime food and late-night street food – said in a post: “Due to the planned protest today in Belfast Spaghetti Arms will be closing at 3pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Stay safe.”
Translink urge passengers to be aware of potential disruption
Northern Ireland’s public transport operator Translink has urged passengers to keep themselves informed of potential disruption to services.
In a post on X, Translink said: “Due to protests in Belfast, services are subject to delay and disruption today.”
The disruption mostly impacts bus services in and around the city, but any road closures due to city centre protests are also likely to have a knock on impact on delays due to traffic disruption.
In a post on X, Translink said: “Due to protests in Belfast, services are subject to delay and disruption today.”
The disruption mostly impacts bus services in and around the city, but any road closures due to city centre protests are also likely to have a knock on impact on delays due to traffic disruption.
Belfast suicide prevention charity confirm early closure
A suicide prevention charity based in Belfast has confirmed their offices will be closing early today.
PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity said in a post they would be closing early at 5pm today and reopening at 10am on Saturday.
The post added: “If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 0808 808 8000. Your mental health matters.”
PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity said in a post they would be closing early at 5pm today and reopening at 10am on Saturday.
The post added: “If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 0808 808 8000. Your mental health matters.”
PSNI say it is ‘own decision’ of businesses whether to close early
PSNI to have special powers to stop and search and demand removal of face coverings
Police Scotland to provide resources to PSNI
Personnel from Police Scotland will be arriving in Northern Ireland from next week, said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
Further images will be released by police in order to identify further individuals involved in recent disorder, she said – and police are investigating who is orchestrating the disorder.
“It is wrong and it is not acceptable. The scenes we have seen across Belfast have been a disgrace,” she said.
From today, police will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, she said.
Further images will be released by police in order to identify further individuals involved in recent disorder, she said – and police are investigating who is orchestrating the disorder.
“It is wrong and it is not acceptable. The scenes we have seen across Belfast have been a disgrace,” she said.
From today, police will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, she said.
Police say 23 people have been arrested following disorder
Police have said 23 arrests have been made so far following recent disorder across Belfast.
Of those, 15 people have been charged and remanded in police custody, said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
There are also 6 people are in police custody who are being dealt with.
Further arrests will be made in coming hours and days, she said.
One person has been identified from images released of six people police want to speak to following disorder.
The assistant chief constable appealed: “Do not let these people hide in our communities.”
Of those, 15 people have been charged and remanded in police custody, said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
There are also 6 people are in police custody who are being dealt with.
Further arrests will be made in coming hours and days, she said.
One person has been identified from images released of six people police want to speak to following disorder.
The assistant chief constable appealed: “Do not let these people hide in our communities.”
PSNI briefing – updates to follow
The PSNI is set to give an update on the policing operation ahead of the weekend and the outcome of disorder in Belfast.
More as we have it.
More as we have it.
Several Belfast libraries announce early closure
A number of libraries across the city will close early today due to the planned protests.
The Libraries in Belfast page online has confirmed Belfast’s Central Library will close at 2pm.
Meanwhile Grove Library, Whiterock Library and Holywood Arches Library will all close at 4pm.
The post added that they “apologise for any inconvenience”.
The Libraries in Belfast page online has confirmed Belfast’s Central Library will close at 2pm.
Meanwhile Grove Library, Whiterock Library and Holywood Arches Library will all close at 4pm.
The post added that they “apologise for any inconvenience”.
Belfast opticians closing early due to protests
The latest business in the city centre to confirm they are closing their doors early on Friday is Mackey Opticians based in Church Lane.
The company said on social media: “Hi everyone, we are going to be closing up a bit early today. We are likely to close at 3pm but please give us a call on 02890321994 if you are planning to call down this afternoon, just in case anything develops.
“The chief concern we have is making sure our team can get home safely.
“We will reopen again tomorrow.”
One of Belfast’s most popular independent comic-book shops has also confirmed online they will close their store based in Smithfield Market at 4pm.
They added: “Hey everyone, just to let you know the store will be closing today, Friday 9th August, a little earlier than usual at 4pm.
“Apologies for any inconvenience. We will be back to our normal opening hours tomorrow.”
The company said on social media: “Hi everyone, we are going to be closing up a bit early today. We are likely to close at 3pm but please give us a call on 02890321994 if you are planning to call down this afternoon, just in case anything develops.
“The chief concern we have is making sure our team can get home safely.
“We will reopen again tomorrow.”
One of Belfast’s most popular independent comic-book shops has also confirmed online they will close their store based in Smithfield Market at 4pm.
They added: “Hey everyone, just to let you know the store will be closing today, Friday 9th August, a little earlier than usual at 4pm.
“Apologies for any inconvenience. We will be back to our normal opening hours tomorrow.”
Belfast city centre nail manicure business to close early
Belfast city centre business Hollywood Nails has confirmed they are also closing early today due to the planned protests.
In a Facebook post, the business based in Church Lane said: “Good morning guys, unfortunately due to the situation in Belfast city centre today we have been forced to close early today. If you are booked in today and haven’t had a message please contact us to rebook. so sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Meanwhile Vapourette based in Connswater in east Belfast also confirmed the business would be closing at 4pm today.
They said: “Due to organized protests in East Belfast, Vapourette Connswater will be closing early today at 4PM.
“If you need anything, please stop by before then. Thank you for your understanding.”
In a Facebook post, the business based in Church Lane said: “Good morning guys, unfortunately due to the situation in Belfast city centre today we have been forced to close early today. If you are booked in today and haven’t had a message please contact us to rebook. so sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Meanwhile Vapourette based in Connswater in east Belfast also confirmed the business would be closing at 4pm today.
They said: “Due to organized protests in East Belfast, Vapourette Connswater will be closing early today at 4PM.
“If you need anything, please stop by before then. Thank you for your understanding.”
Public Records Office in Northern Ireland confirm building closing early
PRONI – the Public Records Office in Northern Ireland – has confirmed they are closing their Titanic Quarter building early today.
The organisation confirmed in a social media post the building was being closed at 2pm.
“Due to protests in Belfast city centre PRONI will be closing at 2pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience,” they wrote.
The organisation confirmed in a social media post the building was being closed at 2pm.
“Due to protests in Belfast city centre PRONI will be closing at 2pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience,” they wrote.
Joint statement from trusts and trade unions says action will be taken against those who abuse others
Health and social care employers and trade unions have issued a statement saying they will take action against any workers who abuse others in light of recent disorder and attacks.
In the group statement, employers and trade unions said they support a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of their workforce.
“If there is a breach of this, we are committed to ensuring the robust application of appropriate employment and criminal proceedings.”
The statement said: ” In recent days we have witnessed, with horror, significant unrest, violence and racist attacks within our community.
“As HSC Employers and Trade Unions we stand together in opposing all forms of racism.
“We are extremely grateful for all our international workers who have our full solidarity and support.
“We deeply value the diversity of our workforce and are committed to ensuring our workplaces and communities are safe and harmonious environments for all our people.
“In the current climate, we are very aware that some of them may feel vulnerable or worried. As Employers and Trade Union representatives we will do everything we can to support you.
“Organisations will issue specific signposting information for anyone affected.
“It is important that we are united as a Health and Social Care community in support of all our colleagues, promoting respect for equality and diversity and opposing all forms of racism.”
In the group statement, employers and trade unions said they support a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of their workforce.
“If there is a breach of this, we are committed to ensuring the robust application of appropriate employment and criminal proceedings.”
The statement said: ” In recent days we have witnessed, with horror, significant unrest, violence and racist attacks within our community.
“As HSC Employers and Trade Unions we stand together in opposing all forms of racism.
“We are extremely grateful for all our international workers who have our full solidarity and support.
“We deeply value the diversity of our workforce and are committed to ensuring our workplaces and communities are safe and harmonious environments for all our people.
“In the current climate, we are very aware that some of them may feel vulnerable or worried. As Employers and Trade Union representatives we will do everything we can to support you.
“Organisations will issue specific signposting information for anyone affected.
“It is important that we are united as a Health and Social Care community in support of all our colleagues, promoting respect for equality and diversity and opposing all forms of racism.”
Belfast restaurant confirms they will be closed on Friday over ‘staff safety’ concerns
Belfast- based Kamakura Sushi & Ramen Traditional Japanese Restaurant has confirmed the eatery will be closed on Friday over what they said were “staff safety” concerns.
The restaurant – which has a number of branches throughout Northern Ireland – is known for their sushi and ramen dishes.
The restaurant cited a “PSNI advisory”, however police earlier in the week had hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
In a post they wrote: “We are closed today (Friday) as per PSNI advisory for our staff safety. We are sorry for any inconvenience. We will reopen on Saturday (10/08/24) on our usual trading time.”
Earlier in the week the PSNI hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
The restaurant – which has a number of branches throughout Northern Ireland – is known for their sushi and ramen dishes.
The restaurant cited a “PSNI advisory”, however police earlier in the week had hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
In a post they wrote: “We are closed today (Friday) as per PSNI advisory for our staff safety. We are sorry for any inconvenience. We will reopen on Saturday (10/08/24) on our usual trading time.”
Earlier in the week the PSNI hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
Arlene Foster: Not all anti-immigrant protestors are racist
NI football club speaks out against ‘unauthorised’ use of crest to promote protest
A Northern Ireland football club has spoken out against the use of their crest to promote a protest.
Coleraine Football Club said any such use of their crest is “unauthorised” and use is “not approved by the club”.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all our fans and the community. Any association with specific political or social movements is not reflective of our values.”
It’s not clear whether any organised protest using the crest is associated with recent anti-immigration protests across the UK.
There have been several nights of disorder in Belfast and elsewhere, including racially motivated attacks.
A number of businesses were also targeted after an anti-immigration protest at Belfast City Hall last weekend.
Meanwhile, bricks and masonry were thrown at police dealing with race-related hate crimes in the city on Thursday night.
In south Belfast, a car was also set on fire on Benburb Street and the windows of a number of houses were smashed on Kilburn Street.
In east Belfast, bins were set on fire on Castlereagh Street. A group of masked men attacked police on Flora Street, but no officers were injured.
Coleraine Football Club said any such use of their crest is “unauthorised” and use is “not approved by the club”.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all our fans and the community. Any association with specific political or social movements is not reflective of our values.”
It’s not clear whether any organised protest using the crest is associated with recent anti-immigration protests across the UK.
There have been several nights of disorder in Belfast and elsewhere, including racially motivated attacks.
A number of businesses were also targeted after an anti-immigration protest at Belfast City Hall last weekend.
Meanwhile, bricks and masonry were thrown at police dealing with race-related hate crimes in the city on Thursday night.
In south Belfast, a car was also set on fire on Benburb Street and the windows of a number of houses were smashed on Kilburn Street.
In east Belfast, bins were set on fire on Castlereagh Street. A group of masked men attacked police on Flora Street, but no officers were injured.
What other events are taking place in the city tonight?
As usual on a typical Friday during the summer in Belfast there are a number of other events also scheduled to take place.
Thousands of people will be coming into the city as English ska and pop band Madness take to the stage at the Custom House Square Festival with doors set to open at 6pm.
Meanwhile at the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street close to the city centre, classical concert fans are set to enjoy the second performance in the BBC’s Radio 3 Summer Invitation Series, with doors opening from 6.30pm.
Comedy fans will also be heading to the Limelight on Ormeau Avenue for Irish comedian Dylan Moran’s gig as part of his A Work In Progress Wander tour.
In sport meanwhile, the NIFL Premiership kicks off tonight at The Oval in east Belfast as Glentoran host Crusaders at Mersey Street.
What advice has the PSNI issued?
The PSNI said it are aware of a number of protests planned for the city later today.
A spokesperson said: “We will have a significant policing operation in place, and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest.
“We would remind everyone that when engaging in protest, they should adhere to the following:
- Follow the instructions of Police
- Respect the rights of others
- Do not endanger your own safety, or that of anyone else
- Do not block a roadway or footpath
- Do not enter any building as a trespasser, or cause damage to property
- If you find yourself in a situation within a large group of people, which feels dangerous, try to leave the area as soon as possible
- If the protest involves a parade then this must be notified to the Parades Commission. Taking part in a procession that is not notified is a criminal offence and you may be liable to prosecution
- If you participate in disorder, you risk getting arrested. The penalties for being involved in serious disorder can be very high, with rioting carrying a maximum sentence of ten years in prison”
Is there any disruption to public transport today?
So far none of Belfast’s bus or rail services have been impacted by events planned for later today.
In a statement on Thursday, the public service operator said it would be working closely with the PSNI and would update passengers of any disruption later on social media platforms.
A spokesperson for Translink said: “We liaise closely with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance – and any diversionary routes in place.
“Any changes to Translink services will be posted on our social media channels.”