Four men charged over violence after anti-immigration protests in Belfast

Four men have been charged by police investigating violence and disorder which followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday.

The charges come as the North’s Justice Minister, Naomi Long, hit out at the radicalisation of people online “through disinformation and outright lies”.

Several businesses were attacked following violence which erupted in the city after anti-immigration protests on Saturday. Business owners have said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted.

Anti-Islamic protest – Belfast — A number of businesses were damaged during violence in Belfast (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between anti-Islamic protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.

The force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city.

Three police…