Belfast was engulfed in flames in anti- immigration protests.
Violent protests broke out on Tuesday night in Belfast and other areas of the North Ireland, after a 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with the attempted murder of a man who was brutally attacked with a knife. The attacker reportedly attempted to decapitate the victim.
This was followed by a call by far-right activists, including Elon Mack and Tommy Robinson, for rallies involving hooded figures, with those gathered putting light on vehicles and homes and proceeding to block roads.
Protesters occupied and set fire to a Glider bus on Newtownards Road in east Belfast, while cars were set on fire near Shankill Road and Newtownabbey. In some places groups of young men with their faces covered were shooting fireworks and setting fire to bins, buses and houses.
In one incident near Shankill Road, a group broke into a house allegedly belonging to a immigrant family, claiming to be “liberating” it. Later, in the same area, looting was reported at mobile phone shops and an African shop was set on fire.
Fears in migrant communities
Migrant and minority communities have expressed fears of targeting. Sudanese business owners in Sandy Row closed their shops early, while Belfast’s Islamic Centre cancelled evening prayers, urging worshippers to stay in their homes.
Surges in London too
Protests took place in Antrim, Bangor and Balimina, while two cars were set on fire in Newtownabbey.
In London, about 60 people gathered in Parliament Square, chanting anti-police slogans and calling police officers “traitors”. Some protesters also chanted anti-immigrant slogans.
No evidence of terrorism
The incidents were sparked after a video circulated on social media showing a man attacking another person with a knife. A 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder.
Witnesses said they saw him screaming before he was taken away in an ambulance, his head covered in bandages. A cooking knife was found nearby at the scene of the attack, which was attributed to the attacker. Authorities say that, for now, there are no indications linking the attack to terrorism, although the case remains under investigation and there are still unanswered questions.
Police said the victim, in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his face, eyes and back.
Political Reactions
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the violence, calling it a “dangerous attempt to exploit” the attack and describing the incidents as “repulsive cowardice”.
Sinn Féin’s MEP for Belfast North, John Finucane, called the scenes “disgraceful”, stressing there was no place for such actions on the streets.
Justice Minister and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said the rioters were “destroying the very communities they claim to protect”.
The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Kir Starmer, condemned the attack and expressed support for the victim and the emergency services.
