Public disorder across Northern Ireland reduced markedly on Thursday night, though a hate-motivated arson attack in north Belfast and racist graffiti in east Belfast demonstrated that tensions remain. Three arrests overnight brought the total to 19 since violence erupted on Tuesday.

Shortly after 10.20pm, a house on the Shore Road was set alight. The property was unoccupied but two neighbouring homes suffered damage. Police are treating the fire as a hate crime. In east Belfast, race-hate graffiti appeared in the Dee Street and Newtownards Road areas. A car fire on the Glenshane Road in Derry in the early hours of Friday is also being investigated as a hate-motivated arson.

The three new arrests included a 37-year-old man detained after criminal damage to a vehicle in the Taughmonagh area of south Belfast, and a 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour after a stone was thrown at a police vehicle in Abbeyville Court, Newtownabbey. A 16-year-old male was arrested in Derry for riotous behaviour connected to Wednesday night.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed that the policing operation will remain in place over the weekend, with additional officers from other parts of the UK deployed. A bulldozer has been brought to Belfast to clear any blockades. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it received 46 emergency calls and mobilised crews to 26 incidents on Thursday evening.

Peaceful protests took place at several locations, including Newtownabbey where more than one hundred people gathered.

Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of Monday’s knife attack in north Belfast, remains in hospital. His family, who met DUP leader Gavin Robinson on Thursday, said his condition is improving and he may be brought out of a coma within 48 hours. They repeated their call for the attack not to be used to fuel division. Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, who intervened in the attack with a hurley, said he would like to visit Mr Ogilvie.

Migrant communities have been deeply affected. Dr Mukesh Chugh, a doctor in Derry, reported that some healthcare colleagues now question whether they should have come to Northern Ireland. Trevor Lucy of the Unison union said many medical staff have been afraid to leave their homes. Pastor Jack McKee, who helped people on the Crumlin Road on Tuesday, said one nurse has left for England and six drivers left on Thursday because they felt unsafe. First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the Mater Hospital on Friday to express solidarity with healthcare workers.

In court on Friday, Martynas Girkis, 28, and Alliyah Harper, 24, were remanded in custody on charges linked to disorder in Portadown on Wednesday. Girkis is accused of failing to remove a disguise, obstructing police and resisting police. Harper faces charges of possessing an article with intent to cause damage and disorderly behaviour. Both will appear again on 10 July.

Police have stated there is no evidence loyalist paramilitaries orchestrated the disorder, but it was coordinated through social media, with lists of addresses circulated online. Ofcom confirmed it is monitoring platforms for incitement. Anti-racism events have been planned, including a community solidarity rally in west Belfast on Friday and a ‘Together Against Hate’ demonstration at Belfast City Hall on Saturday.