All Translink bus and rail services across Northern Ireland will be suspended this evening (Wednesday) in response to expected protests, following a second night of serious disruption in areas including Portadown and Belfast.
The move comes less than 24 hours after large‑scale protests – and subsequent disorder – brought parts of Portadown to a standstill, with roads blocked, traffic diverted and police vehicles attacked.
In Belfast a Glider bus was set on fire with widespread disruption caused across the city.
In Lurgan, bins were reportedly stolen and set alight next to a railway crossing in the town.
A Translink spokesperson confirmed that, as a precautionary measure, all evening public transport will be stood down.
“Due to expected protests all Translink bus and rail services will be suspended this evening (Wednesday 10 June),” they said.
“There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm.
“There is currently a temporary suspension of some bus services until 1.30pm after which time services will resume.”
On Tuesday night in Portadown, traffic was brought to a halt along the Northway and into the town centre as groups of masked and unmasked protesters blocked junctions near Asda and Bridge Street.
Police were forced to redirect motorists, with some drivers turned back at cordons and others caught up in the escalating scenes.
What began as a static protest deteriorated into unrest within an hour. A police car was set alight on Bridge Street and businesses and homes in the town centre suffered extensive damage, with windows smashed at residential properties, a housing association office and a takeaway.
Similar disruption was reported in parts of Belfast, contributing to widespread concerns over the safety of passengers and frontline transport staff.
Translink said it was acting on those concerns in advance of further planned protests this evening.
“We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the PSNI, our Trade Unions, and other key partners to make appropriate arrangements to keep our passengers, staff and the wider public safe,” the spokesperson added.
“Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.
“Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.
“We thank our staff and customers for their continued support at this time.”
Translink says it intends to resume normal services on Thursday morning, but is urging passengers to check for the latest updates before travelling, via its social media channels and Journey Planner app.
Meanwhile, the Chief Constable of the PSNI said the disorder is an “act of self-harm” to communities.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was commenting at a media facility with the Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast today.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast today.
The disorder followed the attempted murder of a man in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast, he remains in hospital with serious injuries.
“This disorder is an insult to the victim of this assault, an insult to the members of the public who bravely stepped forward to save his life and the officers who rushed to the scene,” the Chief Constable said.
“The criminal justice system needs to take its course. Let that follow due process. A man has appeared in court today charged with this attempted murder and, separately, another man has been charged with riot following the scenes in Newtownabbey. I’d appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to take control.
“If you have a niece, nephew, brother, sister or a member of your local sports club, if you’ve seen them at the disorder, stop them from coming out today. This has got to stop. We cannot have a society that allows this to happen.”
The chief constable says PSNI officers “got in harm’s way” to stop people from getting intimidated or assaulted on Tuesday night.
A large policing presence across Northern Ireland will be maintained in the days ahead to reassure communities and ensure public order.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “As part of my forward planning I have now activated the request for Mutual Aid resources from policing colleagues to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days to come.
“We witnessed businesses and homes being attacked and damaged, along with cars, a police car and a Glider set on fire. As a result, many people are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods. A number of families, including a parent carrying their two-month-old baby, left their homes during the height of the disturbances.
“Police officers came under attack and two were injured as a result. Water cannon was used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey during the course of our public safety operation.
“Three individuals have been arrested so far in Belfast and Newtownabbey with more to come. We have set up our Public Order Enquiry Team. This same team structure resulted in over 100 arrests following last year’s race-motivated disorder in Ballymena which cost around £5.6 million to police. All video and online footage is currently being reviewed and I assure you that further arrests and prosecutions will come.
“I urge those involved or considering becoming involved in disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted over and potentially throwing away your future? Or the future of your children?
“I am appealing for calm over the coming days and again, urge anyone considering becoming involved in violence and disorder to think long and hard to think about the repercussions for themselves and their community.
“I understand that people have real concerns, but violence and harming your own communities is not the way. We need calm, considered approaches.
“We are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland. A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.
“To those who might wish to protest and have their voice heard in the days ahead, please do so peacefully and lawfully.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
