Bus hijacked and set on fire during Lanark Way protest

Police say a bus has been hijacked and set on fire during another night of protests in Belfast.

Crowds have gathered at Lanark Way and West Circular Road at its junction with the Springfield Road in West Belfast.

Earlier there were reports of sporadic stone throwing and bins have been set on fire.

The PSNI also closed the gates at the interface barriers which runs along the Peace Wall between the Shankill and the Falls.

Stones were thrown at police while a press photographer was assaulted nearby during the course of their work.

Police are advising members of the public to avoid these areas and are appealing to those with influence in the area to use it to help restore calm.

First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the attack on Twitter, saying: “There is no justification for violence. It is wrong and should stop.''

Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon described the attack on the bus as “sickening''.

She said: “Those attacking their own communities and their own public services are achieving nothing and if this doesn't stop now it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

“Tonight, with deep regret Translink has had to suspended some services in Belfast due to ongoing disturbances.

“Thankfully no one has been hurt in this incidence, but those responsible for this attack, and ongoing attacks on the police, need to stop and stop now.

“I appeal for calm and call on those destroying their own communities and those fanning the flames to end this recklessness before someone is seriously hurt or killed.''

The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has also condemned the violence happening on the streets of West Belfast tonight.

She has called for the protest to be called off immediately.

She tweeted: “Disgraceful scenes of criminality tonight including a potentially lethal attack on bus driver and assault on journalist.

“Unequivocal condemnation needed and protests should be called off immediately - police need support not politicking.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the violence that broke out on the streets of Belfast on Wednesday night.

He wrote on Twitter: "I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist.

"The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.''

SDLP MP Claire Hanna also criticised the attack on the photographer, tweeting: “We're told by the apologists that these protests & riots are borne of frustration about not being listened to, but an excellent photo journalist is attacked while trying to capture the story.''

It comes as 41 police officers have been injured since the violence and disorder started on Friday.

The cause of the unrest has been attributed to frustration over a decision not to prosecute members of Sinn Fein over alleged coronavirus regulation breaches at the funeral of republican Bobby Storey.

Opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol and drugs seizures against a dissident faction of the UDA in south east Antrim have also been blamed.

Members of the NI Policing board met today (Tuesday) to receive a briefing from the Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, on the recent violence and disorder.

Speaking after the meeting, Policing Board Chair Doug Garrett said members were unanimous in condemning the recent attacks on officers.

He said: “It is truly shocking that in a short space of time, 41 officers have sustained injuries. We thank all the officers who have been on duty for their work to contain and restore order, and trust that those officers injured make a full and speedy recovery.

“We welcome that arrests have been made by the police in response to the disorder. Anyone engaged in violence must be brought to justice but it is undoubtedly concerning to hear that so many young people have been drawn into the attacks on the police and the consequences that criminalisation may have for their lives.

“At this time, there must be a redoubling of efforts to calm tensions and for continued dialogue between the community and police officers at all levels of the PSNI.

“Nothing is achieved without talking, and leadership is needed from all those with influence so that any concerns can be addressed through the democratic structures in place; and through the Board mechanisms for policing oversight and accountability.”

Read More:

Policing Board members condemn violence

Arlene Foster blames "malign and criminal elements'' for whipping up violence and disorder

Stormont Assembly to be recalled after days of violence across NI

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

• Easter
• Riots