Northern Ireland Police issue update following racially motivated attacks
Following the recent disorder in Belfast in August, assistant chief constable for local policing Bobby Singleton provided an update on the investigation.
Singleton said: “Our investigation team continue to rigorously pursue those involved in the recent disorder and violence and we will be relentless in our pursuit of those who are responsible for attacking people and property. To date we have arrested 45 individuals, 35 of whom have been charged with offences linked to these incidents, including those for inciting the disorder we have seen, through their on line activity.
"The Investigation team are working through over 3,500 hours of CCTV and Body Worn Video footage and we are determined that persons who attacking homes and businesses, involved in public disorder and intimidating members of the minority ethnic communities will be brought before the Courts. The current cost of the policing operation from 3rd August is estimated at £3.5 million."
Singleton said the department released 19 images of individuals whom we want to talk to in connection with ongoing investigations and nine of those have already been identified.
He said: "We will continue to release further images and I am hopeful that the wider community will continue to help us identify these individuals and stand up against hate crime in all its forms.
“The ongoing attacks on our minority ethnic communities and associated disorder that we have seen on our streets is completely unacceptable and it is in everybody’s interest – as well as in the interest of justice - that those responsible are dealt with appropriately.
“I would urge anyone who may have information to bring it forward. There is an onus on us all to support those people who may be victims of hate crime, to support our communities impacted by hate, to challenge prejudice and to support police in bringing offenders to justice by making any relevant information available to police.
“Hate crimes and incidents have a devastating impact on victims, their families and communities. It is totally unacceptable that individuals should be targeted simply because of who they are or where they come from. Since the beginning of August we have seen some abhorrent scenes of violence and disorder with only one purpose, to incite hatred. A total of 20 officers have been injured during the senseless disorder that has seen them attacked with petrol bombs and masonry. This is not acceptable and our officers and staff need the respect and support of the whole of society as they continue to put themselves in harms way to keep our communities safe."
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