First Minister Michelle O'Neill has demanded a serious investigation into reports that police instructed some minority ethnic nurses to show identification to masked men before accessing their workplace during recent disorder in Belfast.

Speaking at Stormont, O'Neill described the accounts as "disgusting" and said she had raised the matter directly with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. She told MLAs that Boutcher initially dismissed the claims but later acknowledged them after both she and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt provided details from staff members.

Nesbitt also addressed the assembly, recounting an incident where a nurse had to negotiate her way through rioters at Carlisle Circus. He said the Chief Constable took that report very seriously.

Violence broke out across Belfast last week after footage of a knife attack in the north of the city on Monday night circulated online. The victim sustained serious injuries, and a man has been charged with attempted murder. Subsequent protests included racist attacks on homes, businesses, vehicles, and healthcare workers.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine became emotional during the debate as she described racial abuse directed at minority ethnic health staff. She spoke of the care international nurses and doctors had given her and her daughter, who was born with a heart defect, and said such workers must feel valued and protected.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland issued a statement on Monday confirming it had received reports of vehicles being stopped by masked individuals in the greater Belfast area. Officers responded immediately, and a significant mobile policing presence was maintained for a period to provide reassurance and prevent offences.

Over the weekend, two homes in Belfast were attacked in what police have described as racist incidents. It follows a series of similar attacks across Northern Ireland in recent days.