Chief Constable warns against further acts of 'self-harm' to communities after families forced to flee homes and water cannon used to quell trouble in Newtownabbey

Appealing for calm with further protests anticipated, the province’s most senior police officer said violence on the streets is an “act of self-harm” to communities.

He was commenting at a media facility with the Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast on Wednesday.

It comes following sporadic pockets of disorder and damage including in greater Belfast, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Greyabbey, Portadown, Armagh, Kilkeel, Bangor, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.

The unrest followed the attempted of a murder of a man in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. The victim, named as Stephen Ogilvie, remains in hospital with serious injuries.

“This disorder is an insult to the victim of this assault, an insult to the members of the public who bravely stepped forward to save his life and the officers who rushed to the scene,” the Chief Constable said.

“The criminal justice system needs to take its course. Let that follow due process. A man has appeared in court today charged with this attempted murder and, separately, another man has been charged with riot following the scenes in Newtownabbey. I’d appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to take control.

“If you have a niece, nephew, brother, sister or a member of your local sports club, if you’ve seen them at the disorder, stop them from coming out today. This has got to stop. We cannot have a society that allows this to happen."

The Chief Constable says officers “got in harm’s way” to stop people from getting intimidated or assaulted on Tuesday night. A large policing presence across Northern Ireland will be maintained in the days ahead to reassure communities and ensure public order.

"As part of my forward planning I have now activated the request for Mutual Aid resources from policing colleagues to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days to come,” the Chief Constable added.

“We witnessed businesses and homes being attacked and damaged, along with cars, a police car and a Glider set on fire. As a result, many people are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods.

"A number of families, including a parent carrying their two-month-old baby, left their homes during the height of the disturbances.

“Police officers came under attack and two were injured as a result. Water cannon was used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey during the course of our public safety operation.

“Three individuals have been arrested so far in Belfast and Newtownabbey with more to come. We have set up our Public Order Enquiry Team.

"This same team structure resulted in over 100 arrests following last year’s race-motivated disorder in Ballymena which cost around £5.6 million to police. All video and online footage is currently being reviewed and I assure you that further arrests and prosecutions will come.

“I urge those involved or considering becoming involved in disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted over and potentially throwing away your future? Or the future of your children?

“I am appealing for calm over the coming days and again, urge anyone considering becoming involved in violence and disorder to think long and hard to think about the repercussions for themselves and their community.

"I understand that people have real concerns, but violence and harming your own communities is not the way. We need calm, considered approaches.

“We are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland. A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.

“To those who might wish to protest and have their voice heard in the days ahead, please do so peacefully and lawfully.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.