Violent disorder in Belfast follows a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night and subsequent protests over the incident. Across Tuesday night and into Wednesday, rioters set vehicles, including a bus, and bins on fire and blocked roads. Families from ethnic minority backgrounds were reportedly forced out of their homes after homes were burned, prompting politicians to describe the violence in terms of race-based targeting.
A man charged in connection with the Monday stabbing, Hadi Alodid, 30, is due in Belfast Magistrates’ Court over attempted murder and additional charges including possessing a bladed article in a public place and making threats to kill; the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, lost an eye. Police are braced for further unrest with more protests expected.
UK and Northern Ireland officials condemn the disorder. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says police must be allowed to do their job and that there is no justification for the violence. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and other ministers call the actions “thuggery” and reject any attempt to link the violence to community concerns. Labour MP Calvin Bailey and others argue the disorder is organised and racially motivated, while officials including Keir Starmer say those responsible will face the full force of the law.
