Public meetings disrupted by masked protesters

Two public meetings held by the District Policing & Community Safety Partnerships in Belfast have been disrupted by protesters, some of whom were wearing masks.

The meetings, which focused on "creating safer communities", were held in St Comgall's on Monday and Girdwood Community Hub on Tuesday.

During the course of Tuesday's meeting, police said a number of protesters entered the building.

They disrupted the meeting "by behaving in a disorderly manner to the extent that it had to be moved to another room within the community hub and concluded the agenda business".

The meeting on Monday was also disrupted before resuming "undeterred", police said.

"Many of those attending both meetings reported feeling threatened and intimidated", Belfast District Commander Ch Supt Jeremy Lindsay said.

"Whilst we would always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, disorderly behaviour which prevents a lawful public meeting is not acceptable."

Police are investigating both incidents.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that "those involved in these scenes stand in stark contrast to police officers who not only serve our entire community but do so against an ongoing threat to their safety".

North Belfast DUP MLA Brian Kingston said: "This was an appalling act of intimidation and publicity stunt."

"This was a public meeting to discuss community policing with community representatives and residents from both sides of the community along with PSNI officers and other statutory bodies represented.

"It is disgraceful that local residents, including children, in attendance were subjected to this aggressive behaviour which was shocking and traumatic for some."

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has condemned the "despicable behaviour" of the protestors.

"It's disgraceful that protestors, mostly masked, entered this meeting in a cynical attempt to intimidate local residents.

"While we uphold the right to protest, that right is not absolute. It does not embrace masked protestors with the clear intent on disrupting a community forum designed to hold police to account.

"As an elected representative of north Belfast, I outrightly condemn this despicable behaviour."

Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the disruptions.

"Such behaviour needs to be called out and challenged," she said.

"Turning up to shout down speakers at a DPCSP public meeting is an attack on all of the people of West Belfast and of North Belfast.

"I'm pleased that, in spite of the attempts of a small minority to thwart the DPCSP meetings from taking place, the meetings were able to go ahead – giving local people an opportunity to raise any issues and to hear updates on work going on by the DPCSPs in each area."

Brendan Mullan, vice chair of the Policing Board, said it is "deeply regrettable that the disruptive actions of a small number tried to stop many people attending the meetings having their voices heard".

"Everyone has the right to protest, but they do not have the right to disrupt meetings by 'shouting others down' and denying their right to participate in public meetings," he said.

"We are pleased that those present were undeterred and able to engage with the police on important local issues".