The Police Service of Northern Ireland has strongly condemned the second night of disorder in some areas of Northern Ireland.
Speaking at a media facility in Belfast today, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Firstly, I strongly condemn the disorder. This violent behaviour, by a thuggish minority, will not be tolerated.
“Last night, we saw significant disorder in Newtownabbey and Portadown. We used water cannon and fired 20 AEP to quell that disorder. We arrested 16 people, with two already charged, and 12 officers were injured, some by petrol bombs, following significant rioting.
“I am hugely grateful for the efforts of my officers for their incredible efforts in facing down that disorder. It was clear from the outset that those who attended were not intent on peaceful protest, but on violence.
“Today, we have launched our Op Exposure campaign, we are releasing images of people we wish to speak to over the disorder. There will be further images released as our detectives work tirelessly to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
ACC Ryan Henderson with two of the Op Exposure images released to the public today.
“My message to those who have taken part in violence or are thinking of taking to our streets – the stakes for you are high. We will bring you to justice and I know the judiciary stands ready to give long sentences to those bringing disorder to our streets.
“Our communities in Northern Ireland deserve to get their lives back to normal. Yesterday, businesses shut their doors, trains were not running and we saw schools closing early due to fear. This is the impact these thugs are having.”
In terms of disorder on Wednesday night, there were 16 related arrests and 12 officers injured following rioting in Belfast, Glengormley and Portadown.
Police came under sustained attack in the Antrim Road area of Glengormley with flares and masonry thrown at officers. A bin lorry, car and a vacant building were also set alight. A hijacked van was pushed towards police. Water cannon was deployed throughout the public order operation with baton strikes and 15 AEP used during the disorder. There were seven arrests.
In the West Circular Road area of Belfast, 20 masked males blocked the road with missiles thrown at police.
In Portadown, a property in Carleton Street was attacked around 9pm with disorder lasting for several hours. AEP was discharged and one officer was injured. Five arrests were made in Portadown.
There was disorder in the Tullyalley Road area of Derry/ Londonderry with bins used to block the road and damage to a police vehicle.
ACC Henderson continued: “We, the PSNI, stand together with our communities. Together, we are stronger than them. I know that the public look to us to feel safe. Tonight, our officers will be back on the ground in significant numbers. Our numbers - bolstered by policing colleagues from across GB through Mutual Aid – will be working to protect these communities and prevent any future disorder.
“Let me be clear. There can be peaceful protest. It is part of a democratic society. This bears no resemblance to that. We should all listen to the words of the Ogilvie family who issued an incredibly powerful statement calling for calm. They could not be more clear that violence is not in Stephen’s name.
“I want to turn to the disgraceful threats and intimidation directed to our nurses, carers and other healthcare workers. Men and women who work every day to save lives and care for sick relatives. They are the backbone of our public service. They are carrying for our family, friends and loved ones in our communities. We are here to support them. In the same way they support us.
“Tonight, we are increasing patrols of key areas and have been in contact with the health trusts and others to hear their concerns on staff welfare. Today, I am meeting with Unison to hear their particular concerns and offer our support. I am also meeting members of our business community and minority communities later today to hear what they need from us.
“The streets of Northern Ireland need to return to calm and order. Our children need to feel safe returning to their schools and businesses need to feel they can open their doors.
“Everyone with influence needs to do all in their power to get the thugs off our streets. I want to reassure that the PSNI is there for our communities. The Chief Constable and I are clear that we will be robust to bring order to our streets. We will do all in our part to bring order.”