Police in Belfast, Northern Ireland, deployed water cannons and riot-control measures after anti-immigration protests descended into violent clashes for a second consecutive night. Authorities said masked demonstrators threw bricks, bottles, and other objects at officers, while several vehicles and properties were set on fire.
The unrest followed a knife attack in Belfast that left a local man, Stephen Ogilvie, seriously injured. A 30-year-old Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident. The attack sparked anger and led to demonstrations that quickly escalated into violence targeting immigrant communities.
According to police, protesters erected barricades, burned rubbish bins, and attacked officers with projectiles. Water cannons were used to disperse crowds after hundreds of demonstrators gathered near areas believed to house asylum seekers and migrants. Several roads were closed as security forces attempted to restore order.
Authorities reported that homes, businesses, and vehicles linked to ethnic minority communities were attacked during the disturbances. Firefighters rescued residents from burning buildings, while dozens of people were displaced from their homes. Several police officers were also injured in the clashes.
British officials strongly condemned the violence. UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, described the attacks as “racist thuggery,” while other political leaders called for calm and urged residents not to target innocent people in retaliation for the stabbing incident.
Police have launched investigations into the disorder and warned that those involved in violence, arson, and attacks on minority communities will be prosecuted. Security forces remain on high alert amid concerns that further protests could occur in the coming days.
While the protests began after a stabbing incident involving a Sudanese suspect, authorities and community leaders have stressed that the subsequent attacks on immigrants and ethnic minority residents are criminal acts and should not be viewed as a justified response to the crime.
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