The PSNI has said it is aware of “uncorroborated” social media posts suggesting that angry loyalists could block roads across the north on Friday.
The statement came as a small PSNI convoy, including three water cannon, was spotted travelling in the direction of Belfast near Banbridge on Wednesday.
Some loyalists are angry after the DUP did a deal with the British government to return to Stormont after a two year boycott in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol, which puts a border down the Irish Sea.
The LCC meeting must have gone well? pic.twitter.com/wBIpLuhiAA
— Liam (@ballysillanlol) January 31, 2024
Social media messages have identified several routs in Belfast that are “confirmed roads to be blocked”.
“Obviously more locations to be released when everybody get back to this today...numbers etc [sic]. Shankill 100% no go.”
Major roadways included on the list include the Newtownards Road in east Belfast and Crumlin Road in the north of the city.
In a statement a PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police are aware of these uncorroborated social media posts suggesting roads could be blocked on Friday February 2, 2024.
“Police will continue to monitor tensions surrounding the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and work with communities and partners to fulfil our statutory obligations.”
Previous anti-protocol protests have resulted in outbreaks of violence, which were confirmed mostly to unionist districts.
