Police fire plastic bullets in effort to contain race riots in Northern Ireland

Police have fired plastic bullets and received reinforcements from Great Britain in an effort to contain race riots in Northern Ireland.

The force has fired 17 of the projectiles since disturbances erupted on Tuesday, pitting officers against crowds that have thrown rocks, petrol bombs and other missiles.

The disclosure on Thursday came amid further condemnation of violence that has targeted minority ethnic people after dissemination of a graphic video of a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night.

Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary of state, told Sky News: “If you are targeting people on the basis of the colour of their skin, how else can you describe them? That is racist thuggery, there’s no question about it at all.”

Two hundred additional officers from Great Britain are to reinforce the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which is bracing for a potential third consecutive night of unrest. Twelve officers have been injured and 16 people have been arrested. Police have also released images of two males wanted for questioning.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland welcomed the reinforcements but said chronic under-resourcing had left the PSNI 1,200 short of 7,500 promised officers. Liam Kelly, the federation’s chair, expressed hope that those convicted of rioting would receive maximum sentences. “Violent racist and fascist lawbreakers offer nothing but hopelessness and mindless thuggery.”

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with disorderly behaviour and possession of an article with intent to do damage; and a 28-year-old man has been charged with failing to remove a disguise when requested, obstructing police and resisting police, police said. Both were due to appear at Lisburn magistrates court on Thursday.

The police ombudsman confirmed reports that officers had fired plastic bullets. “We have been notified by police that ‘attenuating energy projectiles’ have been used 17 times,” the watchdog said on Thursday. “Each incident will now be assessed by Police Ombudsman investigators.”

The confirmation came after reporters discovered plastic bullet casings amid debris near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, the scene of intense clashes on Wednesday night when police also used water cannon to disperse rioters.

Patrick Corrigan, the Northern Ireland programme director of Amnesty International, said police had an unenviable task in restoring order but expressed concern at the use of plastic bullets. He said: “With so many children on the streets, and the risk of serious injury via direct hit or ricochet, there is a significant risk in their use in current circumstances.”

Further reports emerged of intimidation against immigrants and minority ethnic families.