Nineteen arrests over disorder with house targeted in arson
Nineteen Arrests Following Racially Motivated Violence in Northern Ireland
Nineteen arrests over disorder with house - Authorities in Northern Ireland have arrested nineteen individuals, including a 16-year-old boy, in connection with recent incidents of unrest. While Thursday’s events appeared less intense, police confirmed that an arson attack in north Belfast was tied to the broader disorder. Firefighters were dispatched to Shore Road, where a fire broke out at the back of a residence, though no injuries were reported. The property was vacant at the time, and two adjacent homes also suffered damage from the blaze, which is classified as a hate-driven act.
Community Leaders Highlight Concerns
A prominent figure in Londonderry’s Indian community expressed worries that some international healthcare workers are reconsidering their decision to reside in the region. Dr. Mukesh Chugh, a local physician with over two decades of service, noted that professionals from abroad have shared doubts about their choice to live in Northern Ireland. He described the situation as "traumatic" for families, citing reports of homes and vehicles being attacked, and cars being set ablaze in the Glenshane Road area of Derry on Friday at 00:30 BST. Another car fire was also extinguished in the same location.
“We hear especially from people who come from different nations and people of different colour—their houses are gone, their cars are gone, their windows are smashed,” Dr. Chugh told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has extended its operations into the weekend to safeguard public order. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported 46 emergency calls and 26 incidents across the region on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, the unrest began after viral footage of a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night ignited public outrage. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old from Sudan, was charged with attempted murder over that incident, which left Stephen Ogilvie seriously injured.
Impact on Health Workers and Local Residents
Trevor Lucy, representing Unison’s Foyle Health Branch, highlighted the growing fear among medical staff, who have been “living in fear” for several days. He noted that employees at Altnagelvin hospital have been unusually cautious, with some avoiding work altogether. “They’re just hoping they can get home safely,” Lucy said, adding that the racially motivated incidents could deter international professionals from joining the workforce in the area.
“We should not judge the whole immigrant community because of one act of violence done by some person in the street,” Dr. Chugh emphasized. “Same goes for people who are on the roads—I don’t believe they represent the good Northern Irish people.”
On Tuesday night, violence erupted across the region, targeting homes, businesses, and vehicles. The chaos escalated on Wednesday, particularly in Glengormley and Portadown, where police faced protests and used water cannons. Twelve officers were injured, and 16 arrests were made during the disturbances. Pastor Jack McKee, who assisted affected residents on Crumlin Road, described the scene as “mayhem.” He recounted finding two care workers in a house, deeply shaken by the events.
“I pleaded with the protesters holding bricks outside to give me time to get the women out,” McKee said. “The people caught in this are those who contribute to life in Northern Ireland—supporting the community, helping those in need.”
McKee also noted that at least one nurse and six drivers have left the region, citing safety concerns. He attributed much of the violence to young men “seeking a reason to join the streets,” though not all participants were linked to paramilitary groups. The PSNI has continued its efforts to maintain order, with ongoing investigations into the root causes of the unrest.