Sir Keir Starmer has labelled the disorder in Belfast as 'shocking and completely unacceptable' as people were forced to flee their homes and multiple cars and buildings were set alight across the city. The unrest on Tuesday night followed a knife attack in the north of the city on Monday, in which 44-year-old Stephen Ogilvie lost his eye and suffered severe face and back wounds.
Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged with attempted murder and possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill. He has been remanded in custody.
During Tuesday night's unrest a Glider bus was set alight in the east of the city, prompting all bus and train services to be suspended. In Lendrick Street, close to the Titanic Quarter, several cars were set alight and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) officers had to remove some residents from houses after they caught fire. A number of properties and vehicles were set on fire near the Ligoniel Road area and a police car was set alight in Portadown.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he will 'not tolerate' violence against people 'because of their background', adding: 'The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable. There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere. It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it.'
The statement continued: 'Those responsible will feel the full force of the law. I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to convey my thanks to them and the frontline emergency services for their bravery in keeping people safe. I’ve also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to discuss the ongoing situation. Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now. We must let the police get on with their work.'
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said officers had worked alongside partner agencies 'responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe'. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the 'outright thuggery' of last night's disorder. 'Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice,' she said.
On Tuesday, police revealed details on the arrested man’s immigration status and how he travelled to the UK. The Sudanese national entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border in February 2023 having flown to Dublin from Paris. The suspect claimed asylum upon arrival and in September 2023 was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
