Northern Ireland

Gerry Kelly to raise loyalist protests with chief constable

Sinn Féin policing spokesman Gerry Kelly
Sinn Féin policing spokesman Gerry Kelly Sinn Féin policing spokesman Gerry Kelly

SINN Féin MLA Gerry Kelly is to raise the issue of "illegal protests" with the chief constable at the Policing Board.

The move follows reports that hundreds of people were out on the Shore Road area of north Belfast on Thursday night.

A crowd of loyalists gathered as part of a peaceful protest. Images showed people holding banners protesting against the Irish Sea border.

Police officers and Land Rovers could be seen in attendance, and there were no reports of any violence.

The North Belfast MLA said the event was "clearly an organised protest which saw approximately 250 people on the streets in a clear attempt to intimidate and raise tensions in the local community".

"In recent weeks we have seen a number of these reckless and irresponsible protests taking place and the dangerous escalation into violence at the interfaces has been very alarming," he said.

"I will be asking what evidence gathering the police engaged in and how many people have been questioned, arrested or fined over these large protests. I am calling on all political leaders to call for an end to these illegal protests."

Dozens of police officers were injured when pockets of unrest flared at several protests earlier this month.