Alliance Party Leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long has condemned a "mob" of people who gathered outside her East Belfast home on Wednesday, 8 October, describing the incident as "bullying and intimidation".

The group, some of whom were wearing masks and livestreaming on social media, gathered outside the house shared by Ms Long and her husband, Belfast Councillor Michael Long, prompting a response from the PSNI.

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson called the incident "totally reprehensible" and a "sinister attempt at intimidation".

Mr Tennyson stated: "This has not happened in a vacuum. In recent weeks and months we’ve seen a toxic atmosphere whipped up relentlessly by others, both in the chamber and outside it, and on social media, targeting Naomi specifically. This is the result of that kind of rhetoric, and I hope some individuals can now reflect on the real-world impact their words have." In a statement following the incident, Ms Long said that after 25 years in politics, she has always been open to political debate and discussion, but "turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on."

She added: "That line was crossed last night. It isn't engagement and it isn't legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police. It's bullying and intimidation. It's threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop."

The PSNI confirmed they attended the protest and have commenced an investigation, with an evidence-gathering operation in place to review footage and consider if any potential offences were committed. Mr Long later said police had to guard the house overnight "in case of attack."

Condemnation of the actions came from across the political spectrum, with First Minister Michelle O'Neill calling the incident "absolutely disgusting," and DUP Leader Gavin Robinson stating that the private homes of elected politicians "should be firmly off limits."