PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson has issued a direct warning to those involved in violent disorder following a second night of unrest across Northern Ireland.
Police confirmed that 16 people were arrested and 12 officers were injured during serious disorder in Belfast, Glengormley, Newtownabbey and Portadown.
Officers were attacked with petrol bombs and other missiles, prompting the PSNI to deploy water cannon and fire 20 attenuating energy projectiles to bring the violence under control.
Two people have already been charged, while detectives have begun releasing images of individuals they want to identify through the PSNI’s Operation Exposure campaign.
Henderson warned that those responsible face arrest and potentially lengthy prison sentences, declaring that the PSNI would act robustly to restore order.
Additional officers from Great Britain are being deployed under mutual-aid arrangements, with an increased police presence expected across Northern Ireland as authorities work to prevent further disorder and reassure local communities.
The senior officer also raised serious concerns about coordinated social media activity, online disinformation and the publication of addresses linked to minority communities.
He warned that toxic messages were being used to whip up hysteria, encourage people onto the streets and place innocent families at risk.
Police are now investigating those believed to be deliberately spreading harmful or criminal material online.
Businesses have been forced to close, public transport services have been disrupted and schools have ended classes early amid fears of further violence.
Henderson also condemned threats and intimidation directed at nurses, carers, doctors and other healthcare workers, promising increased patrols around hospitals and key locations.
The family of Belfast knife-attack victim Stephen Ogilvie has appealed for calm and stressed that the violence is not being carried out in his name.
Henderson urged anyone with influence to help remove masked rioters from the streets and allow communities across Northern Ireland to return to normal.
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