NI riots: Racist violence cost Translink £1.5m

McNulty said the costs were “indefensible”.

“While our first thoughts are with those forced from their homes and living in fear as a result of racist disorder on our streets, mindless vandals also caused significant damage to public property and their local communities during the unrest.

“Masked individuals cannot be allowed to strike fear and incite violence against immigrant communities by setting fires and causing destruction to vital parts of our roads and transport services.

“These riots resulted in costly damage to the taxpayer and turbulent unrest that cannot be tolerated. The Executive must step up to ensure everyone feels safe in their communities and those responsible must be brought to task.”

The violent attack in north Belfast, over which a man has appeared in court, spurred protests across Northern Ireland, many of which passed peacefully but, elsewhere, hundreds of masked people took to the streets and violence followed.

The disorder was restricted to pockets of Belfast and other towns, but across Northern Ireland schools and shops closed early, and public transport shut down.

On Thursday, the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the estimated cost of policing the riots and protests was £5.4m.