Race hate crimes in Northern Ireland have risen by a third in the last 12 months, according to provisional police figures.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) operational statistics show 409 additional incidents were reported between September 2023 and September 2024 compared with the previous 12 months.
Assistant chief constable Bobby Singleton described the figures and what they represented as “really stark”.
“We’ll wait to see what the final, fully validated figures are, but at this stage it certainly points to the significant challenges that policing has faced over the last month but also the pressure that has been placed on our black and minority ethnic communities,” he said.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with them in terms of tackling the hate that they’re receiving.”
There was rioting in south Belfast last month after an anti-immigration protest on 3 August, followed by sporadic disorder and attacks on businesses owned by minority ethnic people and attacks on homes and people across Northern Ireland.
The figures include the spike of incidents after the serious public disorder at the start of August, which mirrored unrest across the UK amid social media rumours about the killing of three girls in Southport.
The PSNI says it has made 45 arrests in connection with that disorder and 35 people have been charged. Seven of those arrested were under 18 with the youngest 11 years old.
Singleton said what happened was “disheartening” and “something that has caused massive fear and concern within the black and minority community”, adding that the PSNI investigation into what happened was continuing.
He said the team of investigators would “continue to rigorously pursue those involved” and made a fresh appeal for witnesses or anyone who is reluctant to report a race hate crime, for whatever reason, to come forward.
“The investigation team are working through over 3,500 hours of CCTV and body-worn video footage,” he said. “And we are determined that persons attacking homes and businesses, involved in public disorder and intimidating members of the minority ethnic communities will be brought to justice.”
The PSNI said it had worked hard to reach out to those communities affected by the violence. Those who report to the police can expect “an enhanced level of investigation” and “support”, it added.
