Police fire plastic bullets in effort to contain race riots in Northern Ireland
Police in Northern Ireland have fired 17 plastic bullets and received reinforcements from Great Britain to contain race riots that erupted after a knife attack video spread online.
Plastic bullets deployed
Police in Northern Ireland have fired 17 plastic bullets since disturbances began on Tuesday, as crowds pelted officers with rocks, petrol bombs, and other missiles. The riots followed the dissemination of a graphic video showing a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night. The victim’s condition is improving and he may be taken out of an induced coma within 48 hours.
Reinforcements and arrests
To restore order, 200 additional officers from Great Britain have been sent to reinforce the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). So far, 12 officers have been injured and 16 people arrested. Police have released images of two men wanted for questioning. The Police Federation for Northern Ireland welcomed the reinforcements but noted that the PSNI is 1,200 officers short of the promised 7,500. Federation chair Liam Kelly urged courts to impose maximum sentences on rioters.
Political reactions
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn condemned the violence as “racist thuggery.” The case of Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese man charged with attempted murder, sparked political debate after it emerged he had been granted fast-track asylum under the previous Conservative government. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch apologised, saying she was not leader at the time and noting that the then-home secretary and immigration minister have since defected to Reform UK.
Concerns over plastic bullets and healthcare
The Police Ombudsman confirmed the use of plastic bullets and said each incident will be assessed. Amnesty International expressed concern, especially with many children present in the streets. Reports emerged of intimidation against immigrants and minority ethnic families, including a nurse chased by masked men. The British Medical Association warned that the disorder could deter international healthcare workers from joining the health service, which already faces shortages.
