The UK Government has announced a £4 million emergency package to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after last week’s public disorder and racially motivated violence.

The disturbances followed a knife attack in North Belfast and caused significant fear, alarm and disruption across communities. Ethnic minority households were subsequently targeted in racist attacks.

The funding will help meet costs incurred by the PSNI during the disorder, including Mutual Aid support and overtime for officers deployed to protect the public.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, is in the region today to meet police and other emergency responders, as well as community groups, volunteers and youth organisations involved in the response to the unrest. Ahead of meetings in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, said: "The horrific knife attack in North Belfast last week understandably caused profound concern and anger across Northern Ireland, and the rest of the UK. But we must be clear that the shocking scenes of racist violence that the world witnessed on our streets was not only unacceptable, but utterly shameful.

"The masked thugs who took part do not represent the vast majority of people across Northern Ireland who have worked long and hard to build a shared, peaceful future for all.

"There is no excuse and no justification for this violence, and those responsible will continue to face the full force of the law

"Our most important duty as Government is to keep the public safe. This £4 million package demonstrates our commitment to supporting the PSNI given the significant challenges they faced in confronting the disorder in order to protect the community."