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NewsBeat

‘Arthritis diagnosis delays are leaving many people like me in pain and in limbo’

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Belfast Live

She has felt unwell and very vulnerable, suffering from depression and feeling like her ‘life was over’ at times.

A Belfast woman says arthritis diagnosis delays are leaving many people like herself in pain and in limbo.

Pat O’Connor, 68, from Belfast is one of the 550,000 people in Northern Ireland living with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition like arthritis.

She has felt unwell and very vulnerable, suffering from depression and feeling like her ‘life was over’ at times. She’s taken it upon herself to research her condition but has felt left in the dark.

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READ MORE: EastEnders star’s new series puts spotlight on ‘amazing’ care stories across Northern IrelandREAD MORE: ‘I’ve spent decades listening to people in psychological crisis’

Pat started getting pain in her left knee around 20 years ago , but it went away, then, four years ago, it started again becoming worse. About three years ago Pat went to the doctor and an x-ray showed she had arthritis in her knee.

Following her x-ray, she was given painkillers and two physio appointments after being diagnosed with arthritis and believes that a lack of information and support was instrumental in her being forced to retire early.

Despite having her x-ray and physiotherapy appointment over three years ago Pat still feels in the dark about her condition, with no one ever giving her a full diagnosis, or being told what type of arthritis she has and how to manage it.

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“It has been an incredibly difficult process to receive a diagnosis and treatment. There are many hurdles and dead ends to overcome at a time when you are feeling unwell and very vulnerable.

“Ultimately it cost me my job as work became harder and I retired in April 2024, even though I felt I’d so much more to give, which left me feeling useless and wondering what my life was going to be.

“I was very low and at times felt so depressed, like life was over for me. There was such a lack of information. If someone had just taken a few minutes rather than assuming I knew where to start with researching myself—just a few minutes to tell me, to explain different types of arthritis and the effect—then it may have had less of an impact on my life.”

A new report today from Arthritis UK says too many people with arthritis are being left in pain, uncertainty and without vital support while waiting for a diagnosis.

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With more than 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK living with arthritis, the charity warns that delays in an arthritis diagnosis can have major consequences for people’s health, work and independence.

The uncertainty of not knowing what is wrong can also take a major toll on mental well-being, make conditions harder to treat, while creating wider costs for the NHS and the economy.

The Silent Treatment: Why an Arthritis diagnosis matters reveals that delays are often caused not by one single long wait, but by a series of barriers across the diagnosis pathway.

Symptoms may be dismissed as minor, mistaken for ageing or work-related strain, or not recognised as arthritis at all. Once people seek help, they can face further hurdles such as difficulty getting appointments, delays accessing tests, or long waits for specialist referrals.

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Last year, Arthritis UK’s report, Left Waiting, Left Behind: The Reality of Living with Arthritis, highlighted the scale of the problem. Among respondents with a diagnosis, 38% said getting a diagnosis took too long and 54% reported unreasonable waits or delays to see the relevant specialist.

This new report, launched as part of Arthritis Awareness Month, builds on that evidence by piecing together how these delays are experienced in real life.

Drawing on lived experience workshops and focus groups, as well as input from health and care professionals, the report found that diagnosis is about far more than a medical label. For many, it provides reassurance, recognition and a route to treatment, information and support after months or years of pain and uncertainty.

The sense of finally knowing that pain and symptoms were real and recognised was an area many found hugely comforting. This benefit is reflected in the charity’s previous findings, with 62% agreeing that receiving a diagnosis validated their experiences.

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Arthritis UK says these experiences highlight the urgent need for UK governments to prioritise arthritis and related conditions and support health and care professionals operating in an already stretched system.

This could be faster, clearer routes to diagnosis with improved training for healthcare staff, including better recognition of symptoms, timely referral to specialist care and tailored support for people while they wait and at the point of diagnosis.

Sara Graham, Head of Northern Ireland at Arthritis UK, says people here with arthritis are waiting far too long for answers and support while living with pain and worsening symptoms.

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She added: “Getting the right diagnosis quickly can be life-changing. When diagnosis is delayed, people are left in pain, uncertainty and without the support, treatment and information they need.

“In some cases, conditions may worsen while people wait, causing long-term damage and leaving people feeling isolated and alone.

“Delayed diagnosis has a wider cost. When people cannot access the care they need, it can affect their ability to work, care for families or live independently, while placing further pressure on our already stretched health services.

“Northern Ireland’s health system cannot afford for arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions to continue to be overlooked. Faster routes to diagnosis, earlier intervention, better awareness and support must become a national priority.”

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The Department of Health was approached for a response.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

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Taylor Swift method dresses in designer patchwork dress at Toy Story 5 premiere

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Taylor Swift method dresses in designer patchwork dress at Toy Story 5 premiere
Taylor paid homage to Jessie (Picture: Getty Images)

Taylor Swift never misses a fashion beat.

The Grammy-winning artist rocked up to the Toy Story 5 premiere in Los Angeles yesterday, where she nailed the method dressing trend, loved by celebs from Zendaya to Ariana Grande.

The reason for getting into character? Taylor has provided the original end-credit song ‘I Knew It, I Knew You,’ which she performed for the first time at the premiere.

She was later joined by Randy Newman (who has scored every film in the franchise) for a duet of You’ve Got a Friend in Me. But that’s an iconic story for another day.

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In terms of her outfit, Taylor understood the assignment, wearing a patchwork mini dress from Erdem’s fall 2026 collection — a subtle nod to Jessie, her favourite cowgirl.

The sculptural dress featured a strapless bodice with statement bows and was embellished with gems arranged in a floral style.

The skirt was complete with different floral fabrics, which provided the patchwork effect, and finished with raw hems.

The Renaissance-esque shape of the mini skirt created the sculpted effect. Similarly, the vintage fabrics gave the look a nostalgic-cum-futuristic feel.

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Taylor Swift has served yet another iconic look (Picture: Getty Images)

While there’s no price tag on the dress, Erdem’s collection, titled The Imaginary Conversation, doesn’t come cheap.

From a £3,595 tulle fitted blazer to a £6,495 textured satin wrap coat, there’s nothing available under £495. Even a pair of stone earrings will set you back £575.

But for a billionaire like Taylor, these huge price tags won’t seem so, well, huge.

Alongside the Erdem dress, Tay donned a pair of Aleví Milano satin sandals that retail for £577.

She finished off the look with another tribute to Jessie: an antique diamond Sophie Jane horseshoe necklace.

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Her other jewellery pieces included a pair of silver hooped earrings, and of course, her Kindred Lubeck engagement ring from fiancé Travis Kelce, estimated to be worth between $500,000 and over $1 million.

But perhaps the sweetest outfit addition? Instead of a dainty clutch bag, Taylor opted for her own vintage VHS copy of Toy Story.

After the photo call, where she posed alongside actors Tom Hanks and Joan Cusack (who voice Woody and Jessie), she asked the Toy Story legends to sign the video.

Taylor brought her original VHS copy of Toy Story to the event (Picture: Getty Images)

The Toy Story premiere isn’t Taylor’s only epic recent look — she’s been serving plenty of fits over the last month or two.

From her chic business-meets-pleasure fit in New York, which literally cost more than most of us will ever earn, to her bridal pleated white skirt and matching turtle neck, there was also the sweet prairie-style floral maxi dress she wore on a date with Travis.

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It won’t be long until the pair tie the knot, either, as reports say their marriage is set to take place on July 3 in NYC.

However, not much else is known about the ceremony, as Taylor and Travis are reportedly being very cloak-and-dagger about the event, even watermarking invites to ensure every detail stays under wraps.

What we do know is that, with Taylor and Travis being one of the most famous couples on the planet — plus with celebrity weddings getting more elaborate than ever — it’s likely going to be an unforgettable event.

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Makerfield by-election LIVE as candidates taking part in MEN hustings

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Manchester Evening News

As well as our MEN hustings, we’ll also be bringing you updates from the Makerfield by-election campaigns and the wider politics events of the day.

Labour have now accused Reform of “dragging politics into the gutter” after one of the party’s councillors posted a fake poll about the by-election.

Sarah Mason claimed Reform and Labour are neck-and-neck a week out from polling day, with both candidates at 44 per cent. The Scarborough councillor has now deleted the post.

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A Labour Party Spokesperson, responding to reports of Reform misinformation, said: “Reform are dragging politics into the gutter. They’re stooping to new lows online because they know Robert Kenyon isn’t fit to be an MP – yet they won’t admit it.

“Instead of spreading misinformation online they should be forcing their candidate to apologise to the public for the vile comments he’s made about women and disgusting false narratives he’s peddled over the Manchester Arena bombing.

“While Reform continues to be mired in scandal and they reach for desperate underhand tactics, Labour’s Andy Burnham is determined to deliver the investment and fairer future all communities across Makerfield deserve. Send Reform packing next week – vote for Labour’s Andy Burnham on Thursday 18 June.”

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Jadon Sancho: How dream Man Utd move became a nightmare

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Jadon Sancho

The stand-off between Ten Hag and Sancho lasted four months, before Sancho joined Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season and helped them reach the Champions League final.

But they could not afford to keep him and, although United sporting director Dan Ashworth was credited with brokering the truce that allowed Sancho to join up with United in the pre-season of 2024, it was a temporary situation, which Chelsea seemed to solve by agreeing a loan that committed them to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Yet, after five goals in 41 appearances, Chelsea preferred to pay a £5m penalty to send Sancho back to Old Trafford.

This time, there was no olive branch. Sancho was placed in Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ and had to train away from the first team until he joined Villa on 1 September.

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Now United have decided not to trigger the one-year option.

At 25, Sancho still has a lot to offer. There were glimpses of quality during his time at Villa, but he was only introduced off the bench nine minutes from the end of the Europa League final victory over Freiburg on 20 May.

“Seeing Jadon close up, technically, he’s got an awful lot of ability,” said current United interim head coach Michael Carrick when he was asked about Sancho in March.

Carrick worked with Sancho as part of Solskjaer’s backroom team and managed him for three games during his short stint in charge after the Norwegian’s dismissal.

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“In and around the box; his ball carrying; his little plays; the connections; his creativity; the way he handles the ball – he’s got natural ability,” said Carrick.

“He’s always had it all the way coming through. That’s one part of football.

“But – and I’m not talking about Jadon individually on this – it is just how it is and how it should be.

“You can’t just assume it’s all going to be smooth. It’s proven that it’s not always like that.

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“You’ve got to find a way through it. If you are playing in a good team with good players and a good squad and depth, that’s part of the challenge to stay at the top.”

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World Cup team forced to release statement after footage emerges of arrival into US

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Daily Mirror

Footage emerged of the team appearing to be searched on the airport tarmac during their journey to the World Cup, but a statement has now been released clarifying the pictures

The Senegal Football Federation has released a statement clarifying the situation surrounding their arrival in the USA for the World Cup. Footage emerged online appearing to show players and staff members being screened and searched on the airport tarmac.

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The videos prompted widespread criticism online. Among those to take aim at the footage was former England striker and pundit Ian Wright.

The incident came at a similar time as when Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the country. He was turned away after an 11-hour-long interview at border control.

Senegal have now moved to explain the situation, clarifying that the checks actually took place before the team’s arrival in San Antonio. They also explain that the checks were pre-arranged.

“Following the circulation on social media of a video showing players and staff members of the Senegal national team undergoing a security check on an airport tarmac, we wish to provide the following clarifications in order to avoid any erroneous interpretation,” the statement read.

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“Contrary to certain reported information, this check did not take place upon the team’s arrival in San Antonio, but rather at the time of boarding at Raleigh airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, before the flight’s departure.

“As part of the logistical organisation of the trip, the bus carrying the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly onto the airport tarmac.

“This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks directly at the foot of the aircraft, without having to pass through the usual areas of the terminal and the boarding lounges.

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“This arrangement was essentially aimed at optimising the travel time of the delegation and facilitating its boarding on the private flight to San Antonio.

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“We wish to emphasise that this procedure took place in compliance with the airport security rules in force and that no particular incident was reported.

“The private flight connecting Raleigh to San Antonio took place under excellent conditions, and the entire delegation arrived at its destination normally.”

Senegal were in action in the early hours of the morning as they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. The game saw Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson receive a red card. The nation takes on France, Norway and Iraq in their group stage games.

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Leicestershire ‘shooting’ live: Gun ‘fired into car’ as police flood village street

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Daily Mirror

Police are responding to reports of three gunshots heard.

The incident was reported at 10.29pm yesterday evening (June 9) on Brascote Lane in Newbold Verdon, a village in Leicestershire.

According to a man, two shots were allegedly fired into a car and one through the front door of a property.

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Police investigate burning cross found in Chicago park

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Police investigate burning cross found in Chicago park

A large, burning cross was discovered at a Chicago park on Tuesday afternoon, and police said they are investigating how it ended up there and the motive behind it.

Video taken by a motorist shows the wooden cross engulfed in bright orange flames as it leans against a tree in Grant Park, a popular area near Lake Michigan. The Chicago Fire Department confirmed the flaming object was a cross, and said officials put out the fire.

Chicago Police said there were no reports of injuries and that they are investigating the motive and circumstances around the “object on fire.”

Keinika Carlton, 43, was driving home from running errands with her daughter and mother-in-law when they saw the cross on fire. She said she felt a combination of shock, sadness, disgust, as well as curiosity.

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“Is this a racial thing? Is this a religious thing?” she said. “As Black women, of course, our first thought is racial, because burning crosses are known to be used as a tactic, an act of violence toward Black Americans in the South.”

Carlton estimated the cross was at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. The experience was new to all of them, including Carlton’s mother-in-law, who grew up in Kentucky.

Carlton said as they slowed down to shoot a video of the flames, she saw around her other cars slowing down and people walking nearby, staring at the cross burning.

While the motive behind the burning cross was not immediately clear, cross burnings in the U.S. have historically been seen as “symbols of hate” that are “inextricably intertwined with the history of the Ku Klux Klan,” according to a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision written by the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. The justices ruled that the First Amendment allows bans on cross burnings only when they are intended to intimidate because the action “is a particularly virulent form of intimidation.”

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Alyna Carlton, 22, said she never thought she would see something like that in her lifetime.

“It kind of really opened my eyes, had me realize that I’m not that far removed from the past.”

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Hong Kong charges 7 people and 2 firms over massive fire that killed 168

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Hong Kong charges 7 people and 2 firms over massive fire that killed 168

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities on Wednesday charged seven people and two companies with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud over the city’s deadliest fire in decades.

The massive blaze engulfed seven apartment buildings and killed 168 people on Nov. 26, 2025. Former residents and relatives of the dead have been waiting for answers for months after the fire shattered the close-knit community of Wang Fuk Court, which housed thousands of people in the suburban district of Tai Po.

In a statement on Wednesday, authorities said police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption charged the suspects with 25 counts. Money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice and tax evasion were also among the allegations.

The seven people played different roles in the major renovation project of Wang Fuk Court. The two companies charged are the project consultancy firm, Will Power Architects Company, and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., the main contractor involved in the project.

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The seven defendants, Wong Hap-yin, Hau Wa-kin, Ho Kin-yip, Ng Yeuk, Hung Kwok-wai, Chung So-fan and Lin Min, were brought to court Wednesday afternoon. Authorities said they included directors of the two companies and a registered inspector of Will Power.

The defendants told the court that they understood the charges, and most appeared calm.

In March, police said they arrested 38 people on accusations related to the fire, including manslaughter and fraud. Nine have been charged, police said. The anti-graft agency said in the same month that they also arrested 23 people on suspicion of offenses such as bribery and conspiracy to defraud.

Victor Dawes, a lawyer representing an independent committee conducting an ongoing inquiry into the fire’s cause, previously said almost all fire safety systems failed on the day of the blaze because of human error.

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Tony Livesey ‘steps back’ from BBC role after David Sullivan Panorama investigation

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Tony Livesey 'steps back' from BBC role after David Sullivan Panorama investigation

He signed off from Thursday’s show by telling listeners “see you next week” but did not appear on Monday evening, with the BBC saying that Mr Livesey had asked to take a break from presenting the show for a “short time” while the corporation considers the issues raised by the investigation.

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Surprise encore at Hartlepool show by Kiki Dee

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Surprise encore at Hartlepool show by Kiki Dee

The million-selling singer took to the stage at St George’s Venue in Hartlepool, delivering a sold-out acoustic performance alongside long-time collaborator Carmelo Luggeri.

The show featured reinterpretations of her classic hits, including Loving and Free, I’ve Got The Music In Me, and her iconic duet with Elton John, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, which has now surpassed 1.1 billion Spotify streams.

Kiki Dee in concertThe stunning St George’s Venue in Hartlepool as Kiki Dee & Carmello appear on stage (Image: Goffy Media)

But the night took an unexpected turn when the duo realised after leaving the stage that they had missed out Amoureuse, one of Kiki’s most beloved songs.

In a rare move, they returned to the stage to perform the track live for fans.

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Kiki said: “It was the first time we’ve had to reassemble the audience, but we all laughed about it as we hooked up again to restart.

“I’ve loved playing Hartlepool.

“We’ve played a few churches now and they have an ambience all of their own.

“It was great to look out and see so many happy faces joining in with us.

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“St George’s Venue is a terrific place and we would be delighted to return one day.”

The performance is one of the latest in a series of high-profile events at St George’s Venue, inside St George’s Church at the corner of York Road and Park Road.

Carmelo Luggeri, an English-born guitarist, composer, and producer of Italian heritage, has toured with Kiki for over 30 years across the UK and Europe.

The show in Hartlepool was praised by organisers as further evidence of the venue’s growing reputation as a destination for major touring artists.

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Paul Rodgers, events co-ordinator at St George’s Venue, said: “The feedback has been fantastic.

“Following on from our recent event with Ashley Campbell, daughter of Glen Campbell, we really feel the positive response from people who are sampling what we do and more importantly returning with family and friends.”

The appearance is the latest in a run of high-profile live events at St George’s Venue, as Hartlepool continues to attract established names from the UK music scene to its intimate performance setting.

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‘It will not deter me’, says new Belfast mayor after death threats

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Belfast Live

Róis Máire Donnelly has said police told her threats had been made against her life

The new Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis Máire Donnelly has said that threats have been made against her life.

The new Sinn Fein mayor, who took over the office from DUP councillor Tracy Kelly on June 1, has said that police visited her home last night to tell her they had been made aware of threats against her life and told her to take extra precautions.

She has respoonded by saying it “will not deter” her from doing her role as Mayor.

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The Lord Mayor has also expressed her solidarity with the victim of a “vicious” knife attack in North Belfast and thanked those who intervened to save the victim’s life.

She has also condemned the widespread violent racist attacks in Belfast on Tuesday evening saying those involved should be ashamed.

Róis Máire Donnelly said: “Last night, Tuesday 9th June, I was visited at home by the PSNI. The police informed me that threats had been made against my life and advised me to take extra precautions regarding my personal security.

“I want to make it clear that these threats will not deter me from fulfilling my role as Mayor of this great city. I will continue to represent everyone.

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“I want to express my full solidarity with the victim of the vicious attack in North Belfast on Monday evening, and also with the community heroes who intervened and saved the victim’s life. They deserve our enormous gratitude for their heroic actions.

“Belfast is home to many people who have come here from other countries and who have made this city their home, who have worked hard, who have looked after our friends and family in our hospitals in their time of need, who have opened businesses and created jobs, and who have become valued members of our community.

“We must stand with these people now in their time of need.

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“Those people who took part in violent racist attacks and destruction last night should be ashamed.

“Burning family homes, burning businesses, burning buses and cars, destroying all round them. Young children being evacuated from their home carrying their teddy bears.

“It is disgraceful and disgusting. It is racism, it is intimidation, and it is absolute thuggery.

“I call on those involved in this violence to stop, and stop now. You do not represent Belfast.”

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