The family of Stephen Ogilvie, the 43-year-old man who lost an eye in a knife attack in Belfast, have appealed for calm, stating they do not want the incident to 'divide people or fuel hostility.' Stephen remains in a stable condition in an induced coma as doctors fight to save his remaining eye.
Attack and Aftermath
The stabbing occurred on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday evening. Gruesome footage of the attack was shared online, sparking street violence on Tuesday night. Masked demonstrators chanted 'foreigners out' and set fire to cars, houses, and a bus. A two-month-old baby was among those rescued by police as mobs smashed properties.
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife. He refused legal representation and made no reply to charges through an Arabic interpreter. Police strongly objected to bail, noting that the victim lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face, and back. A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene.
Family Statement
In a statement issued Wednesday, Stephen's family expressed devastation over the attack. They thanked local people who intervened, saying their quick actions saved his life. The family also thanked emergency services and medical staff. They appealed for peaceful protest and emphasized the valuable contributions of migrants to the country, including in healthcare and hospitality. They urged anyone with information to contact police.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows, who spoke to Stephen's father, relayed a direct appeal to stop spreading disinformation online, noting false posts claiming Stephen had died.
Previous Attack
It emerged that Stephen was previously attacked in 2001 when he was drugged with GHB and set on fire by gangster David McLeave in Livingston, Edinburgh. McLeave was jailed for 14 years in 2003.
Community Impact
Jamie Corrie, whose home was destroyed by fire, described watching his house burn as 'a feeling I'll never get over.' He expressed anger but questioned the violence, saying it resolves nothing and wrecks the community.
Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed that Alodid entered the UK via the Common Travel Area, claiming asylum in February 2023. He was granted refugee status and has leave to remain until 2028. There is no trace of him on national security databases.
