The PSNI has said those involved in overnight violence linked to far right demonstrations have brought shame on the city.
A senior officer was speaking for the first time since protests yesterday spiralled into disorder and the burning of businesses.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said there'd been five reports of arson and 13 of criminal damage, though he expected that to rise in the coming days.
The PSNI said four people were arrested and three police officers were injured during the disorder.
ACC Beck confirmed officers were now reviewing CCTV to identify offendors.
A cafe and a supermarket in south Belfast were badly damaged by fire after attacks which followed anti-immigration protests in the city.
A number of cars were also burnt out as the police attempted to deal with the disorder in the Donegall Road area which lasted several hours last night and into this morning.
Firefighters were also at the scene dealing with a number of deliberate fires and the clean-up had begun.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly today said: "Whilst people are entitled to peaceful protest, there is no justification for racism or the violence and intimidation that occurred on Saturday.
"Those involved should be quickly brought before the courts and we appeal to anyone with information to provide that information to the PSNI.
"We reiterate our joint commitment to a shared, peaceful and inclusive society."
Taoiseach Simon Harris has spoken with Ms O'Neill.
A spokesperson said they discussed "the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardaí and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island".
Ms O'Neill said she spoke with Mr Harris "following the deplorable attacks on communities and businesses in Belfast yesterday.
She said: "It is crucial that the PSNI and An Garda Síochána work together to hold those responsible for the violence to account.
"I am committed to working together with everyone to continue building a better, and inclusive future for everyone."
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DUP leader Gavin Robinson gave this reaction to the overnight violence.
"The scenes of violence, thuggery, and destruction in Belfast yesterday are totally unacceptable. Lawlessness and violence was and is always wrong. Those intent on such behaviour must face the full rigours of the law," he said.
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie described the violence as "utterly disgusting".
"There is no, and can be no, excuses or justification for these racist attacks on businesses, property and people," Mr Beattie said.
Stormont's Justice Minister Naomi Long has said there can be no place for "xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia" in Northern Ireland.
Ms Long commended the PSNI for their response to disturbances in Belfast on Saturday and sent her best wishes to officers who were injured.
She said: "I utterly condemn the violence that we saw yesterday on the streets of Belfast. These demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division. They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community.
"This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is - fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level."
Supermarket manager Bashir's business was extensively damaged by fire. He told the PA news agency that the Islamic community was being targeted.
He said: "People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community."
He added: "All of that happened and the police did nothing, I am telling you the truth.
"What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down?"
The violence last night followed unrest earlier in the day after businesses were attacked when an anti-immigration protest moved through the city.
The union which represents rank and file officers in the front line of the Belfast disorder said hate-filled racism and far right thuggery 'are not who we are' and must stop before innocent people are hurt.
The chair of the PSNI Liam Kelly said scenes witnessed in Belfast yesterday were disgraceful and totally unacceptable.
Police had mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.
People taking part in the anti-Islam demonstration then travelled towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area.
A business was attacked in the Botanic area of the city and windows were smashed at a hotel.
Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have a view and to express it.
— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 3, 2024
Let's be VERY clear - violence is not acceptable. It never was and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hate and violence. Stop it now.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were treating reports of criminal damage as hate crimes and had made two arrests.
A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport.
Dozens of arrests were made following scenes of disorder across the UK yesterday.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn praised the police for their response to the unrest.
DUP MLA Edwin Poots said many of those involved were not from south Belfast.
He said: "The violence witnessed in south Belfast is totally wrong and unacceptable.
"Many of those engaged in the violence are not local and many in the local community are expressing their unhappiness at the rioting.
"People are angry and frustrated. Over the course of the last year councillor Tracy Kelly and I have raised many issues affecting communities in south Belfast, which Government bodies have largely ignored.
"Acts of violence and destruction of the area which we are trying to get investment into is totally counterproductive."
Mr Poots added: "Working people are being driven out of the community because housing is unaffordable and unattainable.
"Essential services such as access to GPs and dentists are incredibly difficult to access.
"It is essential that we meet the needs of people who have lived in an area for generations.
"This will only be achieved through engagement, and by government bodies listening and acting to meet those needs.
