Police said they are treating the incidents as a racially motivated hate crimes
Footage shared on social media shows the moment a mob attacks a migrant driver’s car in the car park of an East Belfast shopping centre.
Videos show dozens of people, many wearing masks covering their faces, surrounding and attacking cars at Connswater Retail Park during a protest at around 7pm on Monday evening, September 8, over the arrest of a man.
A man in a navy vehicle was surrounded by a group, who appeared to throw items at the car and driver. The PSNI have since confirmed the driver of a second car was confronted by the group. Police in attendance at the protest made no arrests, with a spokesperson saying both incidents are being treated as “racially motivated hate crimes.”
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Police said they received a report of a large group at Factory Street at around 7.20pm on Monday. Chief Inspector Dunne said: “It was reported that the driver of a silver coloured car was approached by members of the group. In fear, the driver then exited the vehicle, which was subsequently reported to have been damaged.
“A further report was received that the driver of a navy coloured car was confronted by the group but managed to drive off. There were no reports to any injuries to the driver or damage to the vehicle at this time.
“Officers at the scene conducted an evidence gathering operation and will review the footage to determine any offences committed. Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, both of these incidents are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.
“There will be an increased policing presence in the area, with officers continuing to engage with relevant partner agencies. Self-appointed patrols are not accepted and will not be tolerated.
“We would urge that anyone with concerns are reported to police, so they can be addressed by police safely and effectively. Police would appeal to anyone with any information that may be able to assist with our enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1189 08/09/25.”
United Against Racism Belfast (UAR) have called out the attack, as well as the “complacency” of the PSNI and local elected representatives. A spokesperson for UAR said: “Much has been done on this island to ensure the far right feel emboldened to carry out attacks in such a blatant manner.
“The government keeps recycling the narrative of mass illegal immigration, despite lacking evidence. Online social media platforms and private media shamelessly profeteeer from anti-migrant rhetoric, click bait and disinformation. Countless ‘citizen journalist’ grifters spread lies and propaganda in the hope of making quick cash from their followers.
“Local politicians keep utilising convenient talk points about ‘genuine concerns’ which end up legitimising racism and Islsmophobia. All of this has paved the way for the far right extremism at display here.
“The known far-right agitators, the vigilante patrols, the anonymous ones running Facebook pages purporting to be concerned parents or residents, are racists, plain and simple. There is no middle ground to be reached with them. Their hatred and aggression has no place in our city.
“As always, it will be the people of Belfast, the trade union movement, the anti-racism movement, all of us together, who will defend our city and ensure it is a welcoming and safe place for us all. We have shown the far-right time and time again how determined we are to protect unity and peace, and how quickly their hate gets drowned out when we get together in solidarity.
“Belfast is a home to us all, we all live here, we all belong here. We cannot and will not allow our home to be be a welcoming space for right wing, Islsmophbic, racist, cospiracist extremism.”
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has described an incident where a car was damaged by a group of people at Connswater Retail Park as “disgusting racist violence”.
The South Belfast MLA said: “This was a deplorable attack by thugs in Connswater Retail Park on Monday evening. This is yet another example of the disgusting sporadic racist violence which we have seen across the city.
“Police are treating the incident as a racially motivated hate crime and have appealed for information. I will continue to reach out and work with all communities to eradicate the stain of racism and to ensure Belfast is a welcoming and vibrant place for all who live and visit here.”
A spokesperson for East Belfast People Before Profit said questions need to be asked of police, as details of the protest had been “circling online for hours beforehand.”
They said: “Last night’s shameful scenes at Connswater are the latest escalation of racist violence in East Belfast. On an almost daily basis, self professed ‘protectors of women and children’ have conducted a campaign of violence and intimation, which culminated in a mob attack on a migrant worker’s vehicle.
“Serious questions now need to be asked of the PSNI and the Justice Minister. Word of last night’s ‘protest’ was circling online for hours beforehand. Yet a seemingly unprepared PSNI were nowhere to be seen when a racist mob was able to launch a violent attack unopposed.
“Compare and contrast this to the policing methods used against Palestine protests, in particular at Queen’s University last year, when TSG units punched, kicked and choked peaceful protestors. Clearly the safety of migrant workers is a lower priority than protecting the reputation of QUB.
“People Before Profit stands in total opposition to all forms of hatred and bigotry. We stand in full support of our migrant friends and neighbours. It is the duty of each and every one of us to come together as a community united. We need to keep organising and fighting back. The racists will not win.”
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