Police in Northern Ireland have deployed water cannons on protesters in County Antrim after being pelted with bricks, as disorder continues following a knife attack in Belfast.
Disturbances in Newtownabbey and Derry
A large vehicle was set ablaze as demonstrators confronted police near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, northwest of Belfast. Footage showed dozens of men dressed in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road, throwing objects at a line of eight police vehicles. Videos on social media showed protesters attempting to march to the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and vans deployed to manage the demonstrations.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed they used water cannons to maintain public order after missiles were thrown. In Derry, police reported items set alight on Ardmore Road. Additional officers have been deployed following significant unrest on Tuesday night after the brutal attack on Monday.
Public Transport Suspended and Schools Closed
Public transport was suspended and some schools closed early on Wednesday amid fears of a second night of violence. Earlier, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over Monday's knife attack, in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye. Mr Ogilvie, in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast, reportedly in an induced coma.
The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.
Prime Minister Vows to Crack Down on Division
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to 'crack down on anyone who is fuelling this division'. Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife. The court heard Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face, and back.
District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail after hearing police concerns of 'significant public disorder' if released due to 'strong public feeling'. The judge warned that anyone planning further disorder in Northern Ireland should 'be prepared to go to prison'.
Government Condemns Targeting of Ethnic Minorities
In Westminster, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said reports that ethnic minorities were targeted were 'sickening'. The Prime Minister called the rioting 'shocking and completely unacceptable', stating: 'It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it. Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.'
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets on Wednesday night, with mutual aid arriving tomorrow. The force also warned that sharing personal information online with intent to endanger others may be a criminal offence.
Family of Victim Pleads for Calm
Mr Ogilvie's family released a statement saying they were 'devastated by the horrific attack' but pleaded for calm. 'We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident,' the statement said. 'We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward. We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.'
