Police investigate calls for anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Police in Northern Ireland are investigating social media posts calling for anti-Islamic protests this weekend, according to local media on Friday.

The posts urge people to take to the streets following violent demonstrations in England after the recent stabbings in Southport.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton confirmed that they are aware of a social media post advocating a gathering at Belfast City Hall, followed by a protest march.

Officers are currently assessing whether these calls will result in actual protests.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the posts, labeling them as "poisonous nonsense" from anti-Islamic factions and urged the public to reject such rhetoric.

"We are aware of it, we’re still trying to understand who’s behind it. There’s no set organization showing themselves on social media which sort of defines the cowardly nature of the people who do this nonsense," he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Thursday the formation of a new national violent disorder unit.

The announcement follows a critical meeting with police chiefs after large-scale unrest erupted in the wake of a fatal stabbing attack in Southport earlier this week that resulted in riots across the country.

The unit is intended to improve intelligence gathering on known "extremist troublemakers" and enhance coordination and rapid response across different regions to prevent and control riots more effectively.