Violence has erupted in Belfast following a brutal stabbing that left a man in his 40s in serious condition, with politicians across the UK condemning the attack and subsequent unrest. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has sparked anti-immigration protests in both Belfast and London, led by controversial figure Tommy Robinson.
Details of the attack
Police reported that the victim suffered significant injuries to his eyes, along with serious slash wounds to his back and face. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and threats to kill. Authorities have described the attack as horrifying, with footage deemed too graphic to publish.
In the wake of the stabbing, anti-immigration mobs set fire to a bus in Belfast, while in London, a protest organized by Tommy Robinson and influenced by Elon Musk caused widespread disruption. Robinson issued a rallying cry, stating, 'The whole of the United Kingdom is hitting the streets tonight following yet another invader attack on our people.' Crowds carried banners reading 'no racism, just patriotism,' 'enough is enough,' and 'end two tier policing, end two tier justice.'
Political condemnation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, saying, 'The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.'
The leaders of five major Northern Irish political parties—Alliance, Sinn Féin, the Democratic Unionist Party, the Social Democratic and Labour Party, and the Ulster Unionist Party—issued a joint statement. It read, 'There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery. We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to re-traumatise those involved. We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.'
Reform UK's response
Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf, whose post was shared by Nigel Farage, reiterated his party's stance: '4 months ago I announced that a Reform government would impose a TOTAL BAN on visas for anyone from Sudan. We also announced we would deport all illegal migrants, and abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain. Prime Minister Farage will reverse the invasion and ensure you no longer.'
DUP leader Gavin Robinson added, 'North Belfast has witnessed a shocking and brutal act of violence. My thoughts are with the victim and their family. People have a right to feel safe in their community. The police should outline the facts as a matter of urgency. Those responsible must face the full consequences of their actions. There can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence on our streets.'
As tensions remain high, authorities urge the public to avoid sharing graphic content and to allow the legal process to proceed.
