North Belfast residents say they feel 'abandoned' by police

Police have defended their response to two incidents in north Belfast on Wednesday night saying their aim was to "establish what has occurred, protect the community and secure opportunities to identify those responsible".

Officers responded to a report that a house in the Ardoyne area had been attacked by a number of people, which police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime.

A short time later, police received a report of a crash on Alliance Avenue, as well as reports of masked men in the wider area.

Local councillor Paul McCusker has criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), saying officers left shortly after arriving in the area.

The house, on Jamaica Street, was empty when it was attacked at around 22:20 BST.

Windows had been smashed and white paint was thrown at the property by three men armed with hammers, police were told.

"Officers attended the scene and engaged with local residents and community representatives, before an operational decision was taken not to retain officers at the vacant property while repairs to secure the premises were awaited," PSNI North Belfast District Commander Supt Allister Hagan said in a statement on Friday.

Hagan confirmed the attack is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

He said that "as with all reports of this nature" the incident is "being taken extremely seriously".

One picture McCusker took at the scene appears to show a bullet shell attached to a brick.

The PSNI said a piece of masonry was located at the scene, with what appears to be a shotgun cartridge attached by clingfilm. This has been seized by officers for forensic examination.

McCusker said that a short time later two men on a motorbike were involved in a crash nearby and they then left the scene.

Police received a report of a hit-and-run collision, involving a motorbike and a car, on Alliance Avenue just before midnight.

The motorbike rider had left the scene.

Police said they have made a number of attempts to contact the driver of the car, including on the night the incident was reported, but have so far been unable to speak with him.

Enquiries in relation to that report, including those to identify the motorbike rider, are continuing, according to police.

McCusker said that residents felt "abandoned" and like they had to "fend for themselves".

"Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police."

Police said that reports relating to the incident at the house and the collision were just two reports received during a "busy period" for policing in north Belfast on Wednesday.

They received 82 calls for service between 17:00 BST on Wednesday and 03:00 BST on Thursday.

"I want to be clear that there are no 'no-go' areas for police, and the community in north Belfast have not - and never will be – left unsupported," Hagan said.

"Police deploy resources based on threat, risk and harm - both to the community we serve, and our own officers," he said.

"On Wednesday night, a police-operated drone continued to monitor the area, while local officers remained available to respond to higher-priority calls across North Belfast."

Hagan said that "police continue to experience significant demand", adding that "where there is an immediate threat to life or safety, those calls will always be prioritised".

"Had an emergency call been received from the area, officers would have responded accordingly," he said.

"I want to assure the local community that they will see an increased police presence in the Ardoyne area over the coming days. We are committed to keeping the people of the area safe as our investigations continue."

He is asking anyone who "witnessed either of these incidents, saw suspicious activity in the area, or who has CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dash-cam footage which could assist our investigations, to contact police".

McCusker said that he did not believe the attack on he house was racially motivated, adding that residents had been welcoming to those who lived there.

A family from Sudan had been living at the house, but the councillor said recently concerns had been raised that it was being used as a house of multiple occupancy.

"The family who lived there for many months felt part of the community," McCusker said.

The independent councillor added that he believed there were criminal elements behind the attack.

"Ardoyne has lots of foreign national families who live there and call Ardoyne their home... I think this is an isolated incident."

Police said they "deployed a number of resources to the area, including a police-operated drone, which was used to provide additional situational awareness and identify potential investigative opportunities".

"We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause within the local community," the PSNI added.

"Our priority is to respond to incidents based on an assessment of the threat, risk and harm."

McCusker said: "While I understand the importance of officer safety, local people also deserve protection, reassurance and support during serious incidents.

"The use of drones alone is not enough to provide confidence to residents who are fearful for their safety."

He added the PSNI now need to explain their decision to "pull out" of the area.