Twelve police officers were injured and 16 people arrested during a second night of violent disorder in Northern Ireland following the Belfast knife attack. The unrest continued into Thursday morning, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) making arrests as communities faced heightened tensions.
Politicians condemn 'racist thuggery'
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he was “glad” the scale of unrest had eased compared with Tuesday’s scenes, but condemned the “racist thuggery” that has erupted since Monday’s stabbing, which left the victim seriously injured in hospital. He emphasised the need for calm and respect for the rule of law.
Violence in Co Antrim
Officers deployed water cannons as they came under sustained attack from bricks and petrol bombs thrown by balaclava‑clad rioters in Co Antrim on Wednesday evening (June 10). A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was torched as crowds confronted police near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, north-west of Belfast. Rioters attempted to set fire to a derelict property near a petrol station, with some throwing petrol bombs at police lines. They also took wheelie bins from outside homes and lit fires in them.
Arrests and appeals
The PSNI made 16 arrests and appealed for assistance in identifying individuals in images connected to Tuesday night’s disorder. The force urged those pictured to come forward. In Londonderry, police reported items having been set alight on the Ardmore Road.
Victim's family disgusted
The family of victim Stephen Ogilvie said they were “disgusted” by the disorder. Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with attempted murder over Monday’s knife attack in which Mr Ogilvie lost an eye. The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire in Belfast on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.
