Police were warned for months about addresses targeted in Belfast riots
Police Warned for Months About Addresses Targeted in Belfast Riots
Police were warned for months about - In the wake of recent anti-immigration riots in Belfast, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has faced criticism for failing to act on multiple warnings issued over the past eight months. A volunteer group, the Accountability Project Northern Ireland, has highlighted how its efforts to monitor online activity were ignored, despite clear indications of escalating threats against specific properties. The group, formed last summer, has been tracking far-right rhetoric and organizing reports for police since November 2025, yet the warnings went unheeded until violence erupted this week.
The Accountability Project Northern Ireland has submitted dozens of reports to the PSNI, detailing the increasing focus on houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) by anti-immigration and far-right groups. These warnings began in August 2025, when the group first noticed targeted posts and demonstrations in areas like Newtownabbey. A hitlist of addresses, allegedly shared among far-right networks, was circulating online since that time. By January 2026, the group had sent one such list directly to PSNI inspectors, who were advised of the imminent risk to HMOs. The Guardian has reviewed a screenshot of this email, which included a list of properties marked for possible attacks.
The recent riots, which saw homes set ablaze and racist checkpoints erected on main roads, have drawn attention to the unchecked spread of hostility toward minority communities. Campaigners argue that the PSNI’s inaction has left vulnerable families in a state of fear, with some residents describing the situation as “extremely distressing.” Despite the warnings, the group’s reports indicate that the targeting of HMOs had been a consistent pattern, with far-right actors framing these properties as symbols of immigration and multiculturalism. Language used in online posts grew increasingly aggressive, branding individuals in HMOs as “fighting-age males” and accusing them of being “rapists” and “murderers.”
Targeted Areas and Escalating Tension
One of the most affected regions was Newtownabbey, a northern suburb of Belfast that became the epicenter of unrest. The group’s reports emphasized the severity of the situation there, noting that the area had seen a surge in violent demonstrations. John Blair, an Alliance assembly member for South Antrim, described the chaos during a BBC Radio 4 interview, stating, “We’ve witnessed a mob on a rampage of violence and destruction.” His remarks underscored the connection between the PSNI’s prior warnings and the current outburst of aggression.
“We’ve witnessed a mob on a rampage of violence and destruction.” – John Blair, Alliance assembly member for South Antrim
Similarly, the Glengormley area, which is also north of Belfast, was identified in posts as a target for “fair game” status. A Facebook post cited in the reports warned that “Anyone caught funding or helping these animals in being housed will be condemned as equally guilty.” This sentiment was echoed in the hitlist circulated earlier this year, which highlighted HMOs as focal points for far-right attacks. The group noted that these properties were often associated with asylum seekers and refugees, who were portrayed as a threat to local communities.
Community Response and Unmet Warnings
As tensions mounted, community groups and volunteers took proactive steps to protect minority ethnic families. In the days leading up to the riots, some residents were urged to leave their homes, while others received assistance from local organizations. One notable effort involved helping minority ethnic students prepare for GCSE exams, ensuring they could safely travel to schools. Meanwhile, workers from immigrant backgrounds reported leaving work early due to fears of encountering racist checkpoints or being targeted during their commute.
The Accountability Project Northern Ireland has compiled approximately 50 submissions to the PSNI since August 2025, with a significant portion focused on the targeting of HMOs. The group’s latest email, dated 5 June 2026, stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that some members of minority ethnic communities had begun stockpiling food out of concern for the coming months. Despite these escalating warnings, the PSNI has not provided a public response, leaving questions about its preparedness for the riots.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred three days after the June 5 email. Hadi Alodid stabbed Stephen Ogilvie in a brutal attack, marking a tragic culmination of the unrest. The victim’s family condemned the violence, calling it a direct result of the hate-driven rhetoric that had been circulating for months. Campaigners have expressed frustration that the PSNI’s warnings were not translated into actionable measures, with one spokesperson stating, “The fact that concerns about escalation were raised months ago, yet some of the streets named have now been attacked, raises serious questions about whether those warnings were acted upon.”
“The fact that concerns about escalation were raised months ago, yet some of the streets named have now been attacked, raises serious questions about whether those warnings were acted upon.” – Accountability Project Northern Ireland spokesperson
Throughout the period of monitoring, the group observed a range of anti-HMO activities, including weekly protests and coordinated efforts to disrupt property events. The far-right movement also emphasized the importance of a “busy summer” as a timeline for further attacks, with some online messages urging supporters to “start making a stand” and “hope these protests get bigger.” This pattern of planning and incitement suggests that the PSNI’s warnings were not just isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to provoke violence against immigrant communities.
The failure to address these concerns has sparked debates about the PSNI’s role in preventing sectarian and racist incidents. While the group’s reports were detailed and consistent, the police have not yet released information on whether they investigated the hitlists or took steps to protect targeted properties. Critics argue that the delay in responding to the warnings has allowed far-right groups to operate with relative impunity, culminating in the destruction of homes and the loss of life. The Accountability Project Northern Ireland’s continued vigilance highlights the need for greater coordination between community activists and law enforcement to mitigate future violence.
As the situation in Belfast evolves, the impact of the riots on minority communities remains significant. The targeted nature of the attacks, coupled with the PSNI’s delayed response, has intensified calls for transparency and accountability. With the hitlist now circulating on social media platforms, the risk of further escalation persists, underscoring the urgency of addressing the underlying tensions that fueled the recent unrest. The story of these warnings and their aftermath serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting early indicators of conflict.