The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has defended its handling of recent public disorder, asserting that its personnel responded appropriately and prevented the loss of life.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson detailed that within 24 hours of an attempted murder on Kinnaird Avenue, police had arrested and charged a suspect. Despite subsequent appeals for calm to allow the legal process to proceed, widespread disorder and lawlessness broke out across Belfast and other areas.

ACC Henderson reported that officers operated under high-pressure conditions to suppress the unrest, safeguard the public, and restore stability. During the height of the violence, individuals set fire to residential properties and vehicles, forcing occupants to escape. Police personnel arriving first at these locations assisted residents to safety, including a two-month-old infant. The PSNI stressed that accountability for the violence, criminal damage, and intimidation rests entirely with the perpetrators.

The response from the PSNI rejected any allegations that its tactical deployment was inappropriate. ACC Henderson commended the professionalism and courage of the deployed personnel, noting that 42 officers sustained injuries while working to maintain public safety. The statement also highlighted the role of social media during the unrest, pointing to the prevalence of extreme, anti-immigration disinformation designed to create fear and incite anti-migrant sentiment within local communities.

Regarding ongoing legal action, ACC Henderson stated: "We have been working night and day to ensure those who chose to bring violence to our streets are brought to justice. To date, there have been 35 arrests and 23 people charged to court by the Public Order Enquiry Team. The charges are for a number of offences including riotous behaviour, attempted criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of an article with intent to damage property, disorderly behaviour and assault on a police-designated person. Those responsible will face the full force of the law.

"There can be no justification for the violence and disorder we have seen last week. The public can be reassured that they will continue to see a heightened police presence in towns and cities, and engagement will continue as we work to keep people safe.

"Our increased presence and engagement in local communities includes communicating through digital channels to ensure anyone caught up in potential disorder thinks again and walks away.

"We would also repeat our appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive."