Paramilitaries ‘not involved in violence’
The PSNI has ruled out the involvement of loyalist paramilitary groups in orchestrating the violence seen in Northern Ireland in recent days.
It follows a statement from the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), an umbrella group representing the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando, that none of its groups were involved in rioting "either directly or indirectly".
On Thursday Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts said it was "clear there was a degree of organisation" to the violence.
Although the PSNI did not confirm paramilitary involvement, they said it was a "likely situation".
However, Mr Roberts appeared to backtrack on that positionyesterdaywhenasked about the LCC statement.
He said: "It's our overall assessment that the violence that has taken place over the last few nights is not orchestrated by a group, in the name of that group.
"There are certainly people who have been engaged in violence who are nothing to do with any illegal organisation.
"There are young people who have gotten involved and for whatever reason that they've decided to do so.
"We feel that there may be some people who could have connection to proscribed organisations, who have been present on the scenes of violence.
"But we don't believe it's been sanctioned and organised by prescribed organisations for peaceful protests."
Mr Roberts urged parents and community activists to do their part to prevent further unrest, and warned there would be serious consequence for those involved.
It comes after another night of disorder in west Belfast in
which a further 19 police officers were injured, along with a police dog.
He said: "I would appeal to those who wish to engage in such activity not to.
"It serves no purpose. "The police will continue to investigate those who engage in disorder and commit serious offences. Last night a further vehicle was hijacked.
"People can expect if they are convicted of such crimes to receive custodial sentences.
"It will change people's lives forever."
Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has met Stormont political parties to discuss the situation.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'neill said she was "worried about the weekend ahead" amid ongoing violence on the streets of Northern Ireland.
The Sinn Fein vice-president said: "As for the last number of days and the violence we have seen on our streets, that has to be condemned by all quarters.
"I welcome the fact that there is a unity of purpose across all
political leaders to say that this is wrong and it needs to stop.
"I'm worried about the weekend ahead. We all need to be very careful and very consciously try to do all we can to prevent this happening.
"I hope and I urge all young people to not engage and to stay off the streets, stay home and stay safe.
"It's really, really important that we stand shoulder to shoulder and say no to this type of criminal behaviour.”