A violent anti-immigration protest erupted in Belfast following a brutal stabbing incident. The unrest led to arson, property damage, and ethnic tensions in the city.
The incident began on Monday night in the Kinnearyd Avenue area of North Belfast. A video circulating on social media shows a 40-year-old man being attacked with a knife by an assailant. The attacker repeatedly struck the victim's head and neck before being stopped by local residents and police.
The victim was seriously injured and hospitalized with severe wounds to his eyes, face, and back. A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene. Police arrested a 30-year-old Sudanese man, who entered the UK as an asylum seeker in 2023 and was granted permission to stay. He has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a sharp weapon, and attempted grievous bodily harm. Police have found no links to terrorism.
The video of the attack spread rapidly on social media, inciting anti-immigration groups and right-wing activists to call for protests. Despite appeals for calm from police and political leaders, hundreds took to the streets on Tuesday evening. The situation quickly escalated, with masked protesters setting vehicles on fire, blocking roads, and attacking homes believed to be inhabited by immigrants.
Several homes and vehicles were set ablaze in East and North Belfast by extremist anti-immigration groups. A bus was also burned. Residents were evacuated from some affected homes, and some families were forced to seek shelter elsewhere.
The violent protests were not confined to Belfast. Unrest was reported in several other areas of Northern Ireland. Police have deployed additional officers and urged the public to avoid rumors and inflammatory propaganda. They have also advised the public not to heed rumors.
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, strongly condemned the rioters, stating that forcing innocent people out of their homes is unacceptable. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the stabbing as 'horrific' and condemned the subsequent violence.
Police have arrested one person in connection with the stabbing. However, no arrests have been reported in relation to the riots, arson, and vandalism. Investigations are ongoing, with CCTV footage and videos being reviewed to identify those involved in the violence.
