Queen’s University Belfast’s (QUB) campuses will be closed on Friday in advance of a far-right demonstration in the city on Friday.
Far-right protesters are set to gather at Belfast City Hall on Friday with a counter-demonstration expected at the same time.
QUB’s vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer said the campus will be closed as a precaution and he urged students not be become involved in any violence.
Professor Greer said: “At Queen’s, we abhor violence and condemn without reservation Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia in all forms.
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“As a university community, we are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and to our campus being a safe, secure environment for all staff and students.
[ Michelle O’Neill condemns ‘pure racism and hatred’ behind Belfast riotingOpens in new window ]
“I urge young people who might become involved in violence to understand that the biggest threat to your future prospects does not come from people fleeing persecution in other parts of the world, or from committed international staff who underpin the Health Service, or from families, like yours, who wish to live in peace and contribute to society here.
“Rather, the biggest threat to your future prospects, and the greatest threat to your safety, comes from those who believe that violence is the answer, and that damage and destruction brings progress.
“None of this is true. We all want to see Belfast as a place that offers opportunities for you and your future. Violence will not achieve this. Progress comes through cooperation and dialogue.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it is aware of planned protest activity throughout Northern Ireland and will have a significant policing operation in place, “and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest”.
Executive ministers met on Thursday at Stormont Castle to discuss recent scenes of violent disorder on the streets of Belfast. The Northern Ireland Assembly was also recalled with MLAs returning from summer recess to debate a motion on the scenes which followed an anti-immigration protest last weekend.
Police and members of the public have been attacked and two businesses owned by people from a minority ethnic background have been destroyed in south Belfast. There have also been incidents in north and west Belfast.
There was rioting in Belfast on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. It comes amid widespread disorder across the UK which appears to have been sparked by misinformation spread online following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
Meanwhile, the PSNI appealed to the public to not allow criminals to hide in their communities, following another night of disorder. The PSNI said it responded to several race-related hate crime incidents and other disorder on Thursday night.
Officers dealt with a number of reports of criminal damage to property including a car being set on fire and a window of a house being broken in Benburb Street.
Windows of a house were also smashed in Kilburn Street, both in south Belfast.
Elsewhere, a number of bins were set on fire in Castlereagh Street in east Belfast and police were attacked by a group of masked men who threw bricks and masonry at officers in Flora Street.
Officers were not injured in the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “Our officers dealt with a fifth night of incidents such as criminal damage, disorder and arson.
“Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences, need to think of the consequences of their actions. Yesterday we issued six images of people we want to speak to in relation to this recent disorder. One individual has since been identified and we thank the public for their assistance with this.
A Major Incident Public Portal for people to submit information, images and footage has been established on mipp.police.uk.
The PSNI has asked the National Police Co-ordination Centre for additional officers from across the United Kingdom to support the policing operation. - additional reporting PA
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