United Kingdom: Violence in Belfast August 7

Event

Cars and a disused building were set on fire on the night of Monday, August 7, near the Belfast city center. The culprits are believed to be Irish nationalist youths, seemingly protesting the removal by police of material for illegal bonfires, which were set to be lit throughout the week. Earlier in the evening, petrol bombs and stones were thrown at local police.

On Tuesday, local authorities and police issued a statement condemning the attacks and urging the community to remain calm.

Context

Bonfires are lit annually in Republican areas of Northern Ireland around August 9 to mark the anniversary of the 1971 mass arrests and internments by the British government of people suspected of ties with the Irish Republic Army (IRA).

Advice

Individuals in Belfast are advised to remain vigilant and keep abreast of developments to the situation.