Police use water cannon against rioters in Northern Ireland

Police deployed water cannon against rioters in Northern Ireland on June 9, 2026, during a second night of anti-immigration demonstrations. Approximately 300 individuals gathered near the Sandyknowes roundabout, eight miles north of Belfast, where they set fire to a truck and hurled projectiles including bricks and petrol bombs. The crowd's actions occurred in proximity to a hotel reportedly designated to house migrants. This incident follows a similar protest the previous night, indicating escalating tensions in the region. The use of water cannon signifies a significant escalation in the police response to the unrest. Authorities are investigating the full extent of the planned actions by the rioters.