Stormont recalled in the wake of Belfast riots

The Stormont Executive and Assembly have been recalled so that politicians can meet to discuss recent rioting in Belfast.

Last night riot police were called out to disorder in the Connswater area in the East of the city, where bins were set on fire, blocking roads.

Objects were also thrown at officers.

Police also dealt with reports of criminal damage to homes and cars in the Silverstream Road, Sandy Row, and Upper Frank Street areas.

Five men were arrested - and one officer was injured.

Police say 16 males have been arrested so far in connection with recent disorder, with seven charged to court, and that "more will follow".

It's understood the PSNI's Chief Constable will brief the Executive later after calling for backup officers from the rest of the UK.

Jon Boutcher has recorded a message, telling Muslim communities police officers will be "standing in harm's way" to make sure they are safe.

Disorder since an anti-immigration protest in Belfast at the weekend has included attacks on police and businesses, and a spate of hate crime attacks.

Dr Ramamoorthy Nambi, who works at the Causeway Hospital, says some overseas health-workers are questioning if Northern Ireland is still safe for them.

He said, “Obviously the reason why we work is to look after our families and if they aren’t feeling safe then there’s no point working here.”

“That’s been reflected by quite a lot of colleagues who I’ve been speaking to in Belfast and Antrim who say if this continues, they are going to have to think about leaving.”

Yesterday evening hundreds of people went to an anti-racism demonstration in Londonderry’s Guildhall Square.

Davy McAuley from United Against Racism Derry described the event as a “coming together of ordinary working people to say that the situation in Belfast is completely intolerable and we will not allow it to continue.”

Nurse and Unison representative Beverly Simpson spoke to us about how some overseas health-workers are feeling after recent events in Belfast.

She said, “They feel deflated and fearful. Many are distraught and don’t know what to tell their children. Some have actually left the county, some had to move houses.”

Speaking after meeting with health workers yesterday Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said any concerns about immigration shouldn't be expressed through violence.

She said, “There are clearly concerns that are out there on a range of issues, particularly around public services and access to housing. That is a challenge for the government not just here in Northern Ireland but the UK Government, and we’ve seen that play out in the Republic of Ireland as well.”

“Those are challenges that we need to address. People are really, really concerned and need to listen to them, but we also need to send that message around co-ordination with the PSNI, with the Chief Constable, that this disorder, racism, and violence is absolutely wrong”.

Rev Trevor Gribben, the Clerk of the General Assembly and the Church’s General Secretary said he was "totally shocked" by recent scenes in Belfast - and that "while protest can be legitimate, the kind of unlawful and illegitimate protest seen during aspects of Saturday is totally wrong".