A crowd threw bricks, masonry, and fireworks at police, who had 22 officers injured.

“Whilst the violence in Portadown was on a smaller scale than that witnessed in other parts of Northern Ireland, it was no less deplorable and unacceptable,” said the Alliance Deputy Leader.

“Those responsible for this racist thuggery do not speak for the majority of people in our community. 

“No family should ever have to leave their home out of fear for their own safety. My solidarity and support is with our migrant and ethnic minority communities at what I know is an incredibly worrying time. 

“I am grateful to the PSNI for their strong response and my thoughts are with the officers who were injured in the course of their duties.

“There is no place for racism, hate or division in Portadown or anywhere else in Northern Ireland. All those in positions of leadership and responsibility must now use any influence they can to ensure we do not see a repeat of these scenes again.”