A second night of disorder has engulfed parts of Northern Ireland following a knife attack in Belfast, as masked rioters clashed with police, set vehicles ablaze and targeted property amid tensions that have followed a knife attack in Belfast earlier this week.

The latest violence erupted in Glengormley, near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, northwest of Belfast, where riot police faced sustained attacks from crowds armed with bricks, bottles, wooden planks and other projectiles.

The police deployed a water cannon in an attempt to disperse the crowd after protesters pushed against police lines and attempted to move toward a hotel reportedly housing asylum seekers.

The disorder came despite repeated appeals for calm from political leaders, police officials and, notably, the family of Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of Monday night’s knife attack that triggered the current crisis.

Images and videos circulating online showed groups of masked individuals dressed in black tearing apart driveways, fences and sections of nearby property to obtain materials to throw at police. Fires burned along roadsides as bins were set alight and a large Department for Infrastructure vehicle was engulfed in flames. In some areas, rioters reportedly attempted to ignite a derelict building and threw petrol bombs toward officers.

Although the unrest was not considered as widespread as the violence witnessed a day earlier, it demonstrated the persistence of tensions that have spread across parts of Northern Ireland following the stabbing incident in north Belfast.

Monday’s attack left Mr Ogilvie, a man in his 40s, with devastating injuries. He suffered severe wounds to his neck and back and lost his left eye, while his right eye was also seriously damaged.

Emergency services responded to the incident in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast, where police arrested Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, at the scene.

Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and threats to kill an NHS worker. The court remanded him in custody after refusing bail, with his next appearance scheduled for July.

Authorities have stressed that investigations remain ongoing and have said there is currently no evidence suggesting the attack was linked to terrorism.

Police have also confirmed that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the stabbing.

However, news of the suspect’s background quickly became a focal point of heated public debate. Officials confirmed that Alodid entered Northern Ireland in February 2023 after travelling from Paris to Dublin before crossing into Northern Ireland, where he claimed asylum. He was granted refugee status and leave to remain in the United Kingdom until 2028.

As details of the case circulated online, protests emerged across several communities. What initially began as demonstrations soon descended into violence in some locations, with homes, vehicles and public infrastructure targeted.

Reports also surfaced that some residents were selected for intimidation or attack because of their ethnic background or nationality, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders and community representatives.

The unrest had a visible impact on daily life across Northern Ireland. Public transport services were suspended, businesses in Belfast city centre closed early and some schools ended classes ahead of schedule amid fears that violence could spread. The usually busy commercial districts of Belfast appeared unusually quiet as residents stayed away from public spaces.

Community members in areas affected by the violence described a growing sense of unease. In Lendrick Street, where houses were badly damaged after vehicles were torched during the disorder, residents spoke of fear and frustration.

Violence Condemned as Family Rejects Claims, Calls for Calm

Belfest — Trouble flared in several parts of Belfast

As the unrest intensified, the family of Stephen Ogilvie issued one of the strongest condemnations yet of the violence being carried out in the aftermath of the attack.

Responding to scenes of rioting, arson and attacks on migrant communities, relatives of the injured man said they were horrified by the actions taking place in his name.

“We have been left feeling disgusted by the scenes that unfolded across Northern Ireland in the wake of what happened. We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward.
Family of Stephen Ogilvie

The family’s intervention added a significant voice to calls for restraint that have come from across the political spectrum.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the riots as “shocking and completely unacceptable” and vowed to take firm action against those responsible.

“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it. Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.”
Keir Starmer

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn similarly warned that the disorder was inflicting fear on innocent families, particularly children caught in the middle of the violence.