Tensions escalated across Belfast on Tuesday night, June 9, after a stabbing attack triggered a wave of unrest, arson attacks and street violence. Homes and vehicles were set ablaze, while all public transport services in the city were suspended amid growing disorder.
A 30-year-old Sudanese man is due to appear in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder in connection with the stabbing, which took place late on Monday night in north Belfast. He also faces charges of possessing a bladed article in a public place and making threats to kill.
The victim, a man believed to be in his 40s, remains in hospital with serious injuries to his eyes, neck and back following the attack on Kinnaird Street at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
Footage widely shared on social media appeared to show a group of people, including one individual carrying a hockey stick, confronting the suspected attacker and restraining him until police arrived at the scene.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) appealed for calm as sporadic disturbances broke out in several locations across the region. Demonstrations were reported in Londonderry, Antrim, Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Bangor and Belfast.
While some gatherings remained peaceful, others descended into violence. A resident of Lendrick Street in east Belfast told BBC News that cars had been set on fire in the street, causing flames to spread to nearby homes, while hooded individuals attempted to force entry into properties.
Around 100 masked people gathered along Newtownards Road, where damage was caused to doors and windows. According to Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows, many of those involved appeared to be teenagers. Refuse bins and a bus were also set alight, prompting transport operator Translink to condemn the attack and suspend its services.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, Justice Minister Naomi Long said there was no place in Northern Ireland for masked thugs and stressed that hatred could not be allowed to prevail. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson urged influential figures within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or public disorder.
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported responding to 62 incidents on Tuesday night, the majority within the Belfast metropolitan area, where an additional 21 fire appliances were deployed to assist emergency operations.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police would maintain an increased presence on the streets in the coming days. During the unrest, a police Land Rover came under attack on Crumlin Road, while further reports emerged of homes and vehicles being engulfed by fire.
Source: BBC
