Northern Ireland experienced a second consecutive night of unrest on Wednesday, with police deploying water cannons against rioters in Co Antrim. The violence followed a knife attack in Belfast on Monday, which left a man in his 40s with serious injuries. The victim's family expressed disgust at the disorder and urged an end to the violence.
Rioters Attack Police in Newtownabbey
Police were targeted with bricks and petrol bombs by balaclava-clad rioters near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, northwest of Belfast. A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was set ablaze as confrontations escalated. Footage showed dozens of men dressed in black, wearing face coverings, 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 threw petrol bombs at police lines. Wheelie bins were taken from homes and set on fire.
Water Cannons Deployed
Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd on Antrim Road. In Derry, items were set alight on Ardmore Road. Public transport was suspended, and some schools closed early on Wednesday amid fears of further violence.
Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder over the Monday knife attack. The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, lost an eye and is in a stable condition in hospital, reportedly in an induced coma. His family urged people to stop sharing false information on social media and stated they were disgusted by the recent disorder. They emphasized that peaceful protest is the only way forward and that migrants make valuable contributions to the country.
Previous Night of Violence
On Tuesday, mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire in Belfast, targeting people based on their race. Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson reported that 27 people were made homeless as a result. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to crack down on those fueling division. Ofcom contacted social media platform X regarding online content linked to the violence.
Court Proceedings and Warnings
Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court via video link, charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife. District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail, citing concerns of significant public disorder due to strong public feeling. The judge warned that anyone planning further disorder should be prepared to go to prison.
PSNI Warning
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) warned that social media users highlighting properties by posting addresses online are putting lives at risk and may be committing a criminal offense. An 18-year-old man became the fourth person arrested following the unrest, after a petrol bomb was thrown at police officers in Carrickfergus on Tuesday night. One officer was taken to hospital for treatment.
