A major police operation is being put in place ahead of a planned anti-immigration protest and counter protest in Belfast this evening.
The two protests are scheduled to take place at Belfast City hall from 4.30pm and a number of businesses are planning to close early.
Speaking at police headquarters Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones told reporters: “There is a significant uplift in the resources that can be deployed in Belfast this afternoon.
More: Live updates as protests to take place in Belfast
“We have tactics and plans in place to make sure that we have good engagement and we are giving clear instruction to those present and there is absolute clarity over what is lawful and peaceful and acceptable and we also have plans in place to make sure there is no burst out into that protest into what we saw on Saturday.”
Businesses and cars were set on fire in south Belfast last weekend following the first of a wave of anti-immigration protests, which have led to five nights of disorder in the city.
Since then police have made 23 arrests and charged 15 people to date and 10 officers have been injured.
ACC Jones added that the police are expecting a very busy weekend for policing with a risk of spontaneous protest as well as an Apprentice Boys of Derry parade and the ongoing Féile an Phobail.
“We will have a significant, visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone is kept safe,” she said.
“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.
“I would urge anyone getting involved to please understand the consequences of their actions. We will use all lawful means and tactics at our disposal to gather evidence and arrest people involved in criminality.”
