Politicians have been called back to Stormont early from their summer break after recent rioting in Belfast. The PSNI has called for backup from police forces across the UK, and says 5 more arrests were made as they dealt with a number of race-related hate crimes and incidents last night. Disorder since an anti-immigration protest at the weekend - has included attacks on police and businesses, and a spate of hate crime attacks. It's understood the PSNI's Chief Constable will brief the Executive later.
Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has made five more arrests and dealt with a number of race-related hate crime, incidents and disorder last night, Wednesday 7th August. The arrests were made after bins were set on fire blocking Connswater Street with items thrown at tactical support officers. Officers also dealt with a number of reports of criminal damage to homes and cars in the Silverstream Road, Sandy Row and Upper Frank Street area of east Belfast. The five men - aged 33, 32, two aged 25 and 18 - were all arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour with some also detained on disorderly behaviour, possession of a petrol bomb and resisting arrest. They remain in custody at this time. One officer was injured during the course of making one of these arrests and has been receiving medical attention at hospital.
