Police and political leaders in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm after disorder erupted in several areas following demonstrations in response to Monday night's stabbing attack in Belfast. Protesters set fire to a bus in the city, and firefighters had to remove residents from their homes after flames spread to properties.
Suspect Charged
A man arrested on suspicion of Monday's knife attack has been charged with attempted murder. The 30-year-old accused, who is Sudanese, also faces charges of possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Disorder Erupts
Anti-immigration demonstrations have taken place across Northern Ireland following the incident. A senior police officer said the region is dealing with sporadic pockets of disorder. Masked males set commercial bins alight and pushed them into a Glider bus on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast on Tuesday evening. Translink, which operates public transport, condemned the incident and suspended all bus and train services for the evening.
In Lendrick Street, a car was set alight, and firefighters removed residents from houses after they caught fire. A number of houses and vehicles are on fire near the Ligoniel Road area. Unionist MLA Doug Beattie reported a police car set on fire in Portadown.
Police Appeal for Calm
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire. We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk."
Political Leaders Condemn Violence
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long said some people had ignored calls for calm, stating: "They are intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage."
First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the violence as "outright thuggery" and said: "Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added that violence does not advance any cause and damages it.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: "The scenes of disorder we have witnessed in some parts of Northern Ireland this evening are only damaging communities and putting innocent lives at risk. There is no justification at all for this type of destruction and thuggery."
Victim's Condition
The victim, a man in his 40s, remained in serious condition in hospital on Tuesday, receiving treatment for serious eye, face, and back wounds. Police have said there is no indication Monday's knife attack was terror-related. A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene.
Immigration Status Details
Police revealed that the arrested man entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border in February 2023, having flown to Dublin from Paris. He claimed asylum upon arrival and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warned people against being influenced "from afar through social media" and urged calm. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as "sickening" and thanked the first responders and members of the public who intervened.
The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement condemning the attack and appealing for calm. The scene outside the apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue remained cordoned off on Tuesday.
