Police have defended their response to two incidents in north Belfast on Wednesday night saying their aim was to "establish what has occurred, protect the community and secure opportunities to identify those responsible".
Officers responded to a report that a house in the Ardoyne area had been attacked by a number of people, which police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime.
A short time later, police received a report of a crash on Alliance Avenue, as well as reports of masked men in the wider area.
Local councillor Paul McCusker has criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), saying officers left shortly after arriving in the area.
The house, on Jamaica Street, was attacked with paint and windows were broken with a brick.
One picture McCusker took at the scene appears to show a bullet shell attached to a brick using clingfilm.
He said that a short time later two men on a motorbike were involved in a crash nearby and they then left the scene.
He said that residents felt "abandoned" and like they had to "fend for themselves".
"Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police."
Police said they "deployed a number of resources to the area, including a police-operated drone, which was used to provide additional situational awareness and identify potential investigative opportunities".
"We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause within the local community," the PSNI added.
"Our priority is to respond to incidents based on an assessment of the threat, risk and harm."
McCusker said: "While I understand the importance of officer safety, local people also deserve protection, reassurance and support during serious incidents.
"The use of drones alone is not enough to provide confidence to residents who are fearful for their safety."
He added the PSNI now need to explain their decision to "pull out" of the area.