PM Says Belfast Rioters "Will Face The Full Force Of The Law"
The Prime Minister said those responsible for the violence and disorder would "feel the full force of the law". (Alamy)
2 min read
Keir Starmer has said that rioters who set fire to homes and cars in Belfast on Tuesday night targeted people because of their background, warning that he will not "tolerate it".
He added that there is "no justification" for people "who encouraged it, online or elsewhere".
The violent unrest in Northern Ireland on Tuesday night came after a man was charged with attempted murder in Belfast following a knife attack in the city, with footage of the attack shared widely on social media.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said yesterday that the alleged attacker was of Sudanese descent and in his 30s. On Wednesday, he was named as Hadi Alodid. He is appearing in court this morning, accused of attempted murder. The court has heard that the victim, who remains in hospital, has lost his left eye as a result of the attack.
Footage showed rioters setting fire to vehicles and houses in Belfast on Tuesday night, which Northern Irish First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned as "outright thuggery". There were reports of masked groups targeting homes lived in by non-white residents.
In a statement this morning, Starmer said those responsible for the disorder overnight would "feel the full force of the law".
"The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable. There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere," he said.
The PM added: "It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it.
"Those responsible will feel the full force of the law. I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to convey my thanks to them and the frontline emergency services for their bravery in keeping people safe.
"I’ve also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Emma-Little Pengelly) to discuss the ongoing situation. Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now. We must let the police get on with their work."
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions later on Wednesday, Starmer said he would meet with Northern Ireland MPs to discuss the unrest the previous night.
