Masked protesters have set fire to homes, cars, and a bus as violent disorder erupted across north Belfast following the arrest of a Sudanese man for a brutal knife attack. Footage captured flames tearing through streets with thick smoke billowing into the sky as police clashed with crowds amid the chaos.
First Minister Condemns Violence
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, condemned the 'outright thuggery', stating that 'groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice'.
Suspect Charged
A 30-year-old man was charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill after footage circulated showing a man being stabbed in the head and back on Monday. The accused, who is Sudanese, is set to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court today.
Victim in Serious Condition
The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital, receiving treatment for serious eye, face, and back wounds. He has been named as Stephen Ogilvie.
Overnight Disorder
Calls for protests grew from anti-migrant groups over the course of yesterday as politicians and police called for calm. Photos show crowds of black-clad rioters gathered in Belfast with multiple reports of arson. All public transport has been paused in the city as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended 62 incidents overnight. People were forced to flee their homes as houses were torched near the Crumlin Road. The mob targeted non-white residents, with a pastor at the scene telling the BBC that people were being put out of houses 'because they're black'. Early in the evening, a bus was set ablaze on Newtownards Road in east Belfast, with homes nearby catching fire. One family had to be rescued by emergency services. Across the city, cars, a police vehicle, and a Turkish barbers were also set alight. Belfast MP Claire Hanna branded the violence 'a race-based pogrom' after 'negative online actors' incited the unrest.
Political Response
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly urged protesters to 'act in an entirely peaceful way', adding that violence does not 'advance any cause, it damages it'. 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'. She emphasised that disorder diverts valuable police resources away from those who genuinely need them.
Police Appeal
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said officers are dealing with 'sporadic pockets of disorder' and urged everyone to remain calm and act responsibly. Police have ruled out a terror-related motive for the initial attack but are keeping an open mind.
Background on Suspect
The suspect is a Sudanese national who entered Northern Ireland via the Irish border in February 2023 after flying to Dublin from Paris. He claimed asylum upon arrival and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
