The UK government has announced £4 million for the Police Service of Norther Ireland (PSNI) following recent public disorder and racially motivated violence.

There was significant disorder last week after a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday, which left a man with serious injuries. Footage of the attack was shared on social media. A 30-year-old man from Sudan was arrested.

During the disorder, ethnic minority households were targeted with racially-motivated violence.

The emergency funding will help the PSNI recoup some of the costs, including Mutual Aid support and overtime owed to police officers.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has visited police and other emergency responders, community groups, volunteers and youth organisations, including those involved in responding to last week’s events.  

Speaking ahead of his engagements, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, 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."