Fourteen families have been placed in emergency accommodation after several nights of unrest that swept through parts of Northern Ireland.

The sequence of disturbances has underlined significant concerns regarding safety in affected communities, prompting calls for additional funding for law enforcement.

Stormont's finance minister has indicated plans to propose increased financial support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), reflecting ongoing worries about resources faced by the force amid violence.

Justice Minister Naomi Long announced that the executive might approve a £5 million bid to assist the PSNI, acknowledging the need for long-term investment to maintain public safety.

The Chief Constable of the PSNI has repeatedly highlighted the pressures on police resources, citing the necessity for robust support in the face of increasing disorder.

The unrest included a racially motivated arson attack on a family in Coleraine, with the PSNI reporting that a fire was set intentionally at the rear of their home.

Fortunately, no one was injured as the family, including four young children, managed to escape in time.

Grainia Long, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), has raised alarms regarding the anticipated rise in people seeking housing assistance.

With many families feeling unsafe in their homes, she stated that the demand for emergency and temporary accommodation is extraordinarily high, exacerbated by the recent violence.

Long expressed concerns for vulnerable households, particularly those with children, that may be at risk of exploitation during this period.

Despite the increased demand for accommodation, the NIHE has indicated that the availability of suitable emergency housing is limited.

Ms. Long emphasized that NIHE staff are actively engaged with communities to ensure safety and provide support.

The violence has persisted over multiple nights, with reports of families hiding to protect themselves during the turmoil.

In some neighborhoods, incidents of vandalism and intimidation have been recorded, and police officers have faced significant risks, with a total of 63 officers reported injured.

The PSNI has made 15 arrests related to the unrest.

Though a degree of calm has returned to Ballymena, violence has continued in other areas, including reports of brick-throwing and racially charged graffiti in east Belfast and Newtownabbey, leading to heightened tensions in communities.

Public figures including Carol Topping, a healthcare worker from the Philippines, and Deimantas Žakevičius, originally from Lithuania, have recounted their fears amid the chaos, noting a sense of unease that emerges when safety is compromised.

In an effort to address the escalating situation, Northern Ireland's First Minister has denied claims of a crisis within the executive, despite tensions and criticism directed at a DUP minister regarding remarks made about migrants.

Calls for a ministerial resignation arose in light of these comments, although the minister has maintained a position of defiance.

In response to the violence, senior health professionals in Northern Ireland have expressed their solidarity with the international workforce, affirming the value and importance of their contributions, particularly in the wake of distressing events.

They emphasized a commitment to support those affected by the disturbances, highlighting the need for a cohesive community response in challenging times.