Paramilitary Presence During Belfast Rioting Confirmed
Cars were set ablaze on Lendrick Street in east Belfast amid the recent unrest.
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, informed the Policing Board that loyalist paramilitary members were present during the racist rioting that occurred last month.
The violence erupted across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland following the circulation of footage on social media depicting a violent knife attack.
Boutcher stated that some loyalist paramilitaries were actively involved in directing violent actions at various locations, including in east Belfast.
"The picture is inconsistent with regard to the paramilitaries."
He further explained that the PSNI had intelligence indicating that while some paramilitary members discouraged their affiliates from participating in the disorder, others did not take such measures.
Boutcher highlighted that the disorder was fueled online by individuals from both loyalist and republican communities.
According to the PSNI, participants in the protests traveled from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.
Shortly after the unrest, the PSNI initially stated there was "no evidence" that loyalist paramilitaries coordinated the events.
Financial Impact of Policing the Riots
Boutcher also addressed the financial implications of policing the disturbances in June.
"The estimated cost of policing the riots and protests was £5.4m."
He expressed gratitude to the Westminster government for providing £4 million in support but noted that the PSNI would need to cover the remaining shortfall from its own budget.
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