Belfast Confronts Surge in Racial Intimidation as Vigilante Groups Roam Streets
Belfast, Northern Ireland, is grappling with a disturbing increase in racially motivated intimidation, as self-styled “concerned citizens” are actively targeting immigrants, refugees, and people of color. These groups, operating under names like the Belfast Nightwatch First Division, are creating an atmosphere of fear and driving families from thier homes.
The Rise of Vigilante Groups
Each evening, after sunset, members of these groups-typically numbering around a dozen-patrol streets in east Belfast, especially near CS Lewis Square. They confront individuals with darker skin tones, demanding identification and justification for their presence in the area. One recent incident involved a member telling a Black man seated on a riverside bench, “Hey boy, I don’t want to catch you around our parks any more.”
Those unable to provide satisfactory answers face threats of expulsion or worse. Disturbingly, some of these encounters are filmed and shared on social media, often accompanied by music, and garner support from online followers. This escalating situation mirrors a broader trend of anti-immigrant sentiment and activity across Northern Ireland.
Did You Know? Almost half of those arrested for race hate disorder in Belfast last summer had prior reports filed against them for domestic abuse,highlighting a concerning overlap in perpetrator profiles.
Impact on Communities
The consequences of this intimidation are profound. Mohammed Idris, a 51-year-old Sudanese refugee who lost his shop in a riot last year, expressed his despair: ”It’s worse than ever now. Everyone is scared. You don’t know exactly what will happen the next day. I don’t think I see a future here.”
Shopkeepers, like one identified only as Mo, report a normalization of racist abuse. He recounted an incident where a customer verbally assaulted him and physically attacked another patron, stating, “get the fuck back to your contry.”
The unrest in Belfast follows similar anti-immigrant riots that occurred in England last August, serving as a catalyst for copycat incidents in Northern ireland. Families from Africa, many of whom are healthcare workers, have experienced property damage, including smashed windows and burned cars, particularly in County Antrim. In June, mobs targeted the homes of Roma people in Ballymena, displacing hundreds. Recent weeks have seen youths in the Donegall Pass area of south Belfast harassing ethnic minorities with thrown objects.
The Orwellian Rhetoric of “Protection”
The vigilantes justify their actions through a deceptive narrative of community protection. Their Facebook page claims they are “Concerned parents … working together, patrolling Belfast streets, for the safety and protection of our children and vulnerable people.” this claim is widely seen as Orwellian, given the nature of their activities.
Misinformation circulating on social media portrays immigrants as threats to the community, falsely alleging predatory behavior around playgrounds and attempts to enter homes. This fuels the animosity driving the vigilante actions.
Pro Tip: Reporting incidents of hate and intimidation to the police and local support organizations is crucial for documenting the problem and seeking assistance.
Experiences of Targeted Individuals
Software engineers Mohammed, Sherif, and Adel, originally from Egypt, have been subjected to repeated harassment since April. They report being approached, filmed, and having their vehicle number plates recorded in public spaces. Sherif explained, “Each time we report it to the police because maybe these people will make up stories about us and say we were doing something wrong.” The engineers have curtailed their evening activities and are now considering returning to Egypt,stating that feeling safe is paramount.
Sidharth Sreekumar, a 32-year-old civil servant of Indian heritage, enjoys living in east Belfast but acknowledges his physical stature-6ft 3in-may deter potential harassers. He noted, “I’m English and I’m 6ft 3in.I think people would think twice about messing with me.”
Official Response and Community Division
Kashif Akram, a board member of the Belfast islamic Center-which was attacked in June-argues that immigrants are being scapegoated for broader economic and social issues, stating, “this all stems from one thing, which is hate.” He also criticized politicians for sending mixed signals by condemning race attacks while simultaneously highlighting housing shortages.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a race and ethnicity action plan to address the issue and has arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with assault, theft, and criminal damage.However, a vigil held in support of the arrested man was addressed by an individual with a history of armed robbery convictions.
The vigilante activity has sparked division within the community. While some residents express shame and denounce the racism, others, like the owner of a loyalist bunting shop, defend the patrols as legitimate efforts to protect the community.
Looking Ahead
Writer Rosemary jenkinson points to the continued arrival of immigrants in east Belfast, noting that dozens attended a loyalist bonfire last month, as a potentially positive sign. Though, the current climate of fear and intimidation poses a critically important challenge to fostering a welcoming and inclusive society.
| Incident | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Damage | Last Year | Belfast | Mohammed Idris’ shop was damaged during a riot. |
| Verbal & Physical Assault | Recent | Belfast | Shopkeeper “Mo” was verbally abused, another patron was assaulted. |
| Roma Homes Targeted | June 2025 | ballymena | Mobs targeted the homes of Roma people, displacing hundreds. |
| Belfast Islamic centre Attack | June 2025 | Belfast | The Belfast Islamic Centre was attacked. |
what steps can be taken to address the root causes of this rising racial tension in Belfast?
How can communities effectively support those targeted by intimidation and harassment?
The situation in Belfast reflects a broader global trend of rising xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, often fueled by economic anxieties, political polarization, and misinformation. Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian conflict adds a complex layer to these challenges. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach, including robust law enforcement, community-based initiatives promoting intercultural understanding, and a concerted effort to combat the spread of hate speech online and offline. the long-term stability and prosperity of Northern Ireland depend on building a society where all residents feel safe,valued,and respected.
Frequently Asked Questions about Racial intimidation in Belfast
- What is driving the increase in racial intimidation in Belfast? The increase is fueled by a combination of factors, including anti-immigrant sentiment, misinformation, and a perceived lack of accountability for hate crimes.
- Who are the Belfast Nightwatch First Division? They are a self-styled vigilante group patrolling streets in east Belfast, targeting individuals they deem “foreign-looking” and demanding identification.
- What is the PSNI doing to address the situation? The PSNI has launched a race and ethnicity action plan and has made arrests in connection with related incidents.
- What can individuals do to help? Reporting incidents of hate, supporting local organizations working with immigrants and refugees, and challenging prejudice are all important steps.
- Is this issue unique to Belfast? While the situation in Belfast is particularly concerning, rising anti-immigrant sentiment is a global trend.
We encourage you to share this article with your networks to raise awareness about this critical issue. Your voice can definitely help foster a more inclusive and welcoming community for all. Please consider subscribing to our newsletter for ongoing coverage of important news and analysis.
