Protesters in Belfast have set vehicles, bins, and houses on fire during a night of disorder in Northern Ireland. The unrest follows a knife attack on Monday evening that left a man seriously injured, with a Sudanese national charged in connection with the incident.
Police Response
A senior police officer confirmed that officers are dealing with 'sporadic pockets of disorder' across multiple locations. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson urged calm, stating: 'We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.'
Transport Suspended
Translink, which operates public transport in Northern Ireland, reported that at least one of its vehicles was set on fire. A spokesperson said: 'We utterly condemn this attack on our Glider service. The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and all bus and train services are suspended for the rest of tonight.' Services are expected to resume as normal on Wednesday morning.
Political Reactions
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the violence, stating: 'There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage.' She added: 'Hate cannot be allowed to win.'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appealed for peaceful protest, saying: 'Violence does not advance any cause, it damages it. Destroying things within your own community benefits no one.'
The disorder erupted after a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday, which has provoked widespread anger. Police are continuing to monitor the situation and have appealed for calm.
