Far-right anti-immigrant protestors unleashed violent disorder in the greater Belfast area on Tuesday evening, burning vehicles and attacking homes.

Bloody Sunday Trust Chair Tony Doherty issued a statement after the disorder, offering sympathy to a victim of an earlier attack in north Belfast on Monday night and wishing them a full recovery. He also expressed solidarity with the local community.

Doherty described the reaction to Monday’s attack as racist, saying it was being exploited to stoke division. He noted a rise in far-right activity in Ireland, encouraged by agitators from Britain and the USA, and stated that such divisive efforts must not succeed.

He also criticised the use of the Irish national flag by far-right elements, calling it a disgrace. Doherty said the flag was designed as a symbol of unity and that Ireland has a history of welcoming others, understanding why people migrate.