Residents have been evacuated after homes caught fire in Belfast as disorder flared across the city following a shocking stabbing attack. Crowds gathered at several locations in the Northern Irish capital, where violence broke out and large fires were started.
Chaos Erupts Across Belfast
A Glider bus was set ablaze on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast on Tuesday evening, while two cars were torched in the Tigers Bay area. A police car was also set on fire in Portadown. Residents on Lendrick Street in east Belfast were evacuated as their homes caught fire. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service officers attended the scene and worked to extinguish the flames.
Protesters were seen throwing projectiles at police vehicles. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appealed for calm, warning that those engaging in violence would be arrested. The unrest followed calls on social media for anti-immigration protests after a shocking attack on a man in north Belfast on Monday night.
Police Appeal for Calm
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: 'We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe.' He added: 'We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder.'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly posted on social media: 'This is an appeal to act in an entirely peaceful way. Violence does not advance any cause, it damages it. Destroying things within your own community benefits no one. Taking frustration at the evil actions of a person out on those who had no part in it is utterly wrong.' She emphasised that safety is at the heart of concern and that engaging in violence risks safety and damages any cause.
Wider Unrest and Political Reactions
Meanwhile, dozens of protesters gathered outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Southampton, reportedly in response to the Belfast knife attack. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder following the attack. The victim, in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his eyes, back, and face after being slashed with a kitchen knife near Antrim Road. He remains in hospital in serious condition.
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long said: 'Hate cannot be allowed to win. Some protesters have ignored repeated pleas for calm and are intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. They are weaponising genuine hurt, concern, and anger for their own misguided purposes. There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt, and cause wanton damage.'
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated: 'Where there are any concerns about immigration, let's have those through political debate. Let the criminal justice process take its course and remember that all communities in Northern Ireland almost entirely contribute positively to this place. Don't be fooled or duped into a trap by people online inciting awful behaviour.' He warned that the 'toxic' nature online risked people doing things they would not ordinarily do.
Transport Disruption and Heroic Actions
Metro and Glider services have been suspended until further notice after a Glider bus was set on fire in east Belfast. Operator Translink condemned the attack, stating: 'We utterly condemn this attack on our Glider service. The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority. All bus and train services are suspended for the rest of tonight. We intend to resume services as normal tomorrow morning.'
The PSNI launched a 'critical incident' in response to the knife attack, which was captured on video showing a man stabbing at the victim's head and neck while he lay on the ground. Young father Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, known as Matt, has been named as a selfless hero who intervened with a hurling stick alongside two other members of the public to save the victim. Over £4,500 has been raised for him on GoFundMe for his 'incredible bravery and courage.' The Sudanese suspect entered the UK across the Irish border after flying to Dublin from Paris and was granted leave to remain in 2023.
