Overview

• The PSNI is investigating social-media videos showing self-styled vigilante groups confronting ethnic minorities and examining a possible link to a central Belfast assault last month.
• Chief Inspector Dunne cautioned any individuals or groups against taking the law into their own hands and pledged a robust review of reported offences.
• Superintendent Gavin Kirkpatrick announced additional officers will patrol East Belfast in the coming days to reassure communities and monitor suspect activity.
• Justice Minister Naomi Long, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Victims Commissioner Designate Geraldine Hanna labelled the patrols as racially motivated hate crimes with calls for prosecution.
• Posts bearing the name 'East Belfast Nightwatch First Division' have attracted hundreds of thousands of views while showing migrants being asked for identification and warned to avoid public spaces and children.