The family of Belfast stabbing victim Stephen Ogilvie have expressed their disgust at the violent riots that erupted across Northern Ireland, as unrest continued for a second night. In a statement released through police, the family said they only support peaceful protest and do not want the attack to be used to divide communities or fuel hostility.
Second night of violence
On Wednesday night, rioters in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, attacked police with bricks and petrol bombs. A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was set ablaze near the Sandyknowes roundabout. Footage showed men tearing bricks from properties and smashing paving stones to create projectiles. Rioters also attempted to set fire to a derelict property near a petrol station and used wheelie bins to create burning barricades.
In Derry, items were set alight on Ardmore Road. Public transport was suspended, and some schools closed early amid fears of further violence.
Family's plea for peace
Stephen Ogilvie, in his 40s, remains in a stable condition in hospital after losing an eye in the attack. He is understood to be in an induced coma. Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder and other offences.
The family's statement read: 'We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward. We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country... We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.'
Wider unrest and political response
The initial reaction to the stabbing saw mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire in Belfast on Tuesday, targeting people based on their race. Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson reported that 27 people were made homeless after being targeted. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to crack down on those fuelling division. Ofcom has contacted social media platforms about content linked to the violence.
District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail for Alodid, citing concerns of public disorder. He warned that anyone planning further disorder should 'be prepared to go to prison'. The PSNI said social media users posting addresses of properties are putting lives at risk and may be committing an offence.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of riot after a petrol bomb was thrown at police in Carrickfergus on Tuesday night. Two officers were injured, one requiring hospital treatment.
