Protest in Belfast city centre

Protests erupted in Belfast as anti-immigration demonstrators, some waving Union and Irish flags together, clashed with counter-protesters advocating against racism. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed riot officers to manage the unrest, which included the throwing of fireworks and attacks on local businesses. Social media had called for these demonstrations in response to recent violent incidents linked to anti-immigrant sentiment following the tragic stabbing of three children in Southport. Church leaders and trade unions condemned the protests, urging a rejection of hate and calling for community harmony. Counter-protesters emphasized the need to stand against racism and support the local Muslim community. The tension illustrates a complex interplay of national identity and social issues in a historically divided city.