Plans, locations and times for the reported protests had been circulated widely on social media
Signs being held at a previous anti-Immigration protest in Stormont Estate
Niamh Campbell and Liam Tunney
Yesterday at 23:01
Several anti-immigration protests across Northern Ireland on Thursday evening have passed off peacefully with only minor traffic disruption, police have said.
Organisers had dubbed the simultaneous demonstrations ‘Operation Shutdown’ amid threats by some of those involved to block roads.
Plans, locations and times for the reported protests had been circulated widely on social media.
One image promoting a rally stated that “a number of small areas will be participating across Northern Ireland but because of Republican Marxist aggression cannot reveal their details until the last minute [sic]”.
It also calls on those planning to participate to “keep it peaceful”.
The PSNI said a number of officers, including “specially trained evidence gatherers” had attended a total of 15 protests had taken place across NI.
Minor traffic disruption was reported at various locations in Belfast, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus.
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said: “Police will review all available evidence to establish whether any further offences have been committed.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience during this period.”
Two weeks ago, around 100 people attended an anti-immigration demonstration in the grounds of Stormont.
Protesters rounded on journalists covering the rally – organised by The Great Province Wide Protest NI – accusing them of publishing “fake news” and telling photographers and reporters they were “not welcome”.
Both the Union flag and the Irish tricolour were brandished at the rally.
News Catch Up – Thursday 18th September
Some of those present carried banners and placards with slogans including ‘Ballymena says no to sex offenders’, ‘Deport every illegal’ and ‘Protect our women and children’.