The PSNI has said there will be a ''significant and visible'' police presence across Northern Ireland amid fears of further violence following anti-migrant protests and counter protests.
More than 600 public order police officers in riot gear and supported by dozens of armoured Land Rovers are being deployed across Northern Ireland this weekend, in addition to normal policing numbers.
Police have appealed for calm and warned that anyone involved in violence will be brought to justice.
A major security operation was in place for an anti-immigration rally and an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall earlier this evening.
Anti-immigration protestors vastly outnumbered by anti racist protestors as rival rallies under way at Belfast City Hall @rtenews pic.twitter.com/rM93nUDJFL
— Vincent Kearney (@vincekearney) August 9, 2024
Violence has flared this week following similar protests last Saturday, with police officers and a number of businesses owned by members of ethnic minority communities attacked.
A large number of businesses in Belfast closed early or gave staff the option to leave early or work from home.
Queen's University closed its campus for the entire day as a precautionary measure.
Police are concerned about possible violence in Belfast tonight as well as the risk of spontaneous protests throughout the weekend.
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A major policing operation will also be mounted in Derry tomorrow when tens of thousands will attend the annual Apprentice Boys parade.
The parade has passed off peacefully for many years because of an agreement between the organisation and nationalist residents, but there are concerns that heightened tensions around the migration issue could make the situation more volatile.
But it is understood that an anti-immigration protest due to take place in Derry this evening has been cancelled, and that a counter protest has also been called off.
''It will be a very busy weekend in terms of policing'' said the officer in charge of the policing operation, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
"We will have a significant visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone is kept safe," she added.
"We will be supporting the right to peaceful protest that is lawful, but this does not extend into intimidation, harassment or disorder. I encourage anyone who is planning to engage in protest to do so peacefully and within the law and to engage with the police and follow our advice and instruction."
So far the PSNI have made 23 arrests and charged 15 people, all of whom have been remanded in police custody and the PSNI has said further arrests will be made in the coming hours and days.
Police also released images of suspects yesterday to help identify those involved in the protests.
''Do not let these criminals hide in our communities,'' ACC Jones said.
''We need to call this out for what it is. It is wrong and it is not acceptable. The scenes we have seen across Belfast over the last week have been a disgrace. They have no place in our communities.
"Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences will be brought to justice. Anyone contemplating getting involved needs to understand the consequences of their actions."
Police dealt with a fifth night of violent disorder in Belfast last night with a number of race-related, hate crime incidents including a car being set on fire and a window of a house being broken in Benburb Street.
Windows of a house were also smashed in Kilburn Street, both in south Belfast.
In east Belfast a number of bins were set on fire in Castlereagh Street and police were attacked by a group of masked men who threw bricks and masonry at officers in Flora Street.
The PSNI says ten officers have been injured as a result of violence since Saturday.
It also confirmed that approval has been secured for 120 reinforcements from public order units in Police Scotland to be deployed in Northern Ireland next week.
