“Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police”
Concerns have been raised that police were told to “withdraw from Ardoyne” earlier in the week due to a risk of violent disorder.
Police were called to reports of a house being attacked in the North Belfast area on Wednesday, August 12, with the incident being treated as a racially motivated hate crime. They also received reports of a collision on Alliance Avenue and reports of masked men throughout the wider area.
Officers say they attended the scene and “deployed a number of resources to the area” which included a drone.
However, concerns have been raised by local residents after the PSNI allegedly left the area quickly with claims that police told them that they did so because of a potential risk to the officers.
Independent councillor Paul McCusker said: “I am seeking answers from the PSNI following a number of concerning incidents in Ardoyne on Wednesday night, including reports of a house being attacked and reports of masked men on a motorbike in the area.
“Residents have told me they were alarmed to see police leave the area shortly after attending. Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police.
“While I understand the importance of officer safety, local people also deserve protection, reassurance and support during serious incidents. The use of drones alone is not enough to provide confidence to residents who are fearful for their safety.
“I regularly encourage residents to contact the police and report incidents. To maintain public confidence, communities need a police service that is visible, responsive and prepared to provide reassurance when such events take place.
“The PSNI should explain the circumstances surrounding this decision and provide assurances to residents that their concerns are being taken seriously.”
North Belfast District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan told Belfast Live: “We received a number of reports relating to incidents in the Ardoyne area within a short period of time On Wednesday, 12 August.
“Local officers responded to a report that a house had been attacked by a number of people. This is being treated seriously and is currently being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
“A short time later, police received a report of a damage-only road traffic collision on Alliance Avenue, as well as reports of masked men in the wider area. Police responded to these reports and deployed a number of resources to the area, including a police-operated drone, which was used to provide additional situational awareness and identify potential investigative opportunities.
“We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause within the local community. Our priority is to respond to incidents based on an assessment of the threat, risk and harm, it is our aim to establish what has occurred, protect the community and secure opportunities to identify those responsible.
“Local officers have continued their enquiries today. These include reviewing available footage and pursuing a number of investigative opportunities to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents and identify those involved.
“I would encourage anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, saw suspicious activity in the area, or has CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation, to contact police.”
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