Protesters have set a bus on fire in Belfast as disorder erupted during an anti-immigration demonstration linked to Monday night's stabbing attack in the city. Masked individuals set commercial bins alight and pushed them into a Glider bus on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered for a planned protest.
Arrest and Charges
A 30-year-old Sudanese man arrested in connection with the knife attack has been charged with attempted murder. He also faces charges of possession of a bladed article in a public place and making threats to kill. The accused is scheduled to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. In Northern Ireland, authorities do not release the names of accused persons before their court appearance.
Victim's Condition
The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in serious condition in hospital, receiving treatment for severe injuries to his eyes, face, and back. The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders and the public.
Police Appeal for Calm
Police commanders and political leaders had urged calm ahead of the protests, fearing violence. Detectives have stated that Monday's knife attack is not believed to be terror-related. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has declared a critical incident following the attack, which was captured on video showing a man stabbing the victim's head and neck while he was on the ground. A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene.
Immigration Status of Accused
Police revealed that the arrested man entered Northern Ireland across 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 September 2028.
Political Response
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, alongside Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Justice Minister Naomi Long, briefed reporters on the investigation. Boutcher warned against being influenced by social media and urged the public to let police do their job without distraction. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as sickening, expressing zero tolerance for such violence. The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement condemning the attack and appealing for calm.
