Violence erupted in Belfast on Tuesday night after anti-immigrant protests turned into widespread unrest following a “brutal” knife attack in which a Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder.
According to authorities, hundreds of protesters gathered across multiple locations in Northern Ireland, with many wearing masks and attacking police, setting vehicles on fire and targeting residential areas. Several homes were set alight, forcing families to flee as emergency services responded to the unfolding situation.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly condemned the violence, saying there could be “no excuse or justification” for attacks on civilians. She described the burning of homes and intimidation of families as “disgusting cowardice” and urged calm across affected communities.
Police said unrest spread rapidly after footage of a knife attack in north Belfast went viral. The incident, which occurred late Monday, left a man in his 40s with serious injuries, including wounds to his face, neck and back. Officers described the attack as “brutal” and said a kitchen knife was recovered from the scene.
The suspect, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade in public and threats to kill. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court. Police have confirmed that the case is not currently being treated as terrorism-related.
Witnesses reported masked groups attacking homes and vehicles in several parts of the city. Videos broadcast by local media showed police helping residents escape burning properties as firefighters worked to control the blazes. Authorities also reported attacks on police vehicles and damage to public infrastructure.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the initial stabbing incident “sickening” and urged calm, warning that further violence would only deepen tensions.
Community leaders and political parties across Northern Ireland have appealed for restraint, stressing that ongoing unrest risks harming innocent residents and undermining community relations.