Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth has received “multiple complaints about self styled vigilante groups patrolling the streets”
The PSNI has issued a warning that it “does not tolerate any type of vigilante activity” after videos appeared online showing groups of people ‘patrolling’ parts of East Belfast.
Videos posted on the Belfast Nightwatch First Division Facebook page show the groups walking the streets at night. In some of the videos there are angry confrontations with men who appear to be immigrants – with members of the groups demanding to know who they are and what they are doing on the street at night.
On the Facebook page the group describes itself as ‘Concerned Parents, from all communities, working together, patrolling Belfast streets, for the safety and protection of our children and vulnerable people’.
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However, Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth said he has received “multiple complaints about self styled vigilante groups patrolling the streets of East Belfast and questioning people”.
He added: “Many are deeply concerned and I share this concern. I would be asking who are they to police our streets and undermine the rule of law, and the work of the PSNI? I’d also be querying if any of them have any recent criminal convictions and what are their motives.
“I have raised these issues with the police directly and ask that they review online footage to see if any criminal offences have been committed.”
Asked about the videos, the PSNI said they “are aware of a number of videos circulating on social media”.
Chief Inspector Dunne said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland does not tolerate any type of vigilante activity and would caution any individual or group against taking the law into their own hands. It is the responsibility of the police service to enforce the law in Northern Ireland and we are committed to supporting the needs of all of our diverse communities.
“We will robustly review and deal with any offences reported to us.”
They added that if anyone has “information about crime in your area please contact the non-emergency number 101”. The statement said that people can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 “which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime”.
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