Police are braced for more disorder tonight following violent protests on Tuesday after a Sudanese man was charged over a knife attack in Belfast.
Two hundred additional police officers will be on the streets after protesters clashed with police and fires were started. Residents were forced to flee homes that were set alight.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “We will deal will this. We will be on the streets tonight in numbers even more than we were last night, and we have got arrangements in hand to get mutual aid that will be arriving here tomorrow.”
The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who lost an eye in the attack, said unrest was not welcome and that migrants “make a deeply valuable contribution” to Northern Ireland.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility,” they said.
Suspect Hadi Alodid appeared at Belfast magistrates’ court charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Alodid, who refused legal representation, was remanded in custody for four weeks.
Key points
- Police braced for more violence
- 'We don't want tragedy to divide people': Victim's family condemn violence
- Suspect named as Hadi Alodid as he appears in court
- Victim of the Belfast stabbing lost his left eye in the attack, court hears
- Three arrests made over Belfast disorder
- PSNI to draft in extra 200 officers from other forces, chief says
Police warn public against posting addresses online and 'putting lives at risk'
19:00 , James Reynolds
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) warned that social media users “highlighting properties” by posting addresses online are “putting lives at risk” and may be committing a criminal offence.
“We are aware that following recent disorder some social media users are posting address details online, or sharing these through communication apps. Highlighting properties in this way is totally unacceptable,” a spokesperson said.
“We have received phone calls from a number of families, house owners, neighbours and members of the wider community who are extremely distressed as a result of this reckless activity. This is unacceptable. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop.
“Anyone who shares personal information online with the intention to endanger others may be committing a criminal offence.
“Any person who publishes or distributes material which is threatening or abusive may also be committing an offence.
“We will be investigating any such posts which come to our attention.”
Hundreds of cases of illegal migration enforcement in NI, minister says
18:45 , Jane Dalton
Authorities have carried out 1,500 enforcement operations linked to illegal immigration in Northern Ireland over the past year, a minister says.
In the House of Lords, Conservative shadow Northern Ireland minister Lord Caine asked: “What conversations are taking place to prevent migrants coming into Ireland from other safe EU countries that are in the Schengen area and then exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA) to claim asylum here in the United Kingdom?”
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent replied: “The CTA has been in operation for a century and is something that is of regular conversation with both the British and Irish governments, and that continues to be so and has been so this week.
“I think it’s helpful for members of your Lordships’ House to know that in the last 12 months, there were 1,500 enforcement operations which took place in terms of illegal immigration in Northern Ireland, with more than 1,200 arrests.”
Twenty-seven people made homeless by last night's violent protests, says minister
18:30 , James Reynolds
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent told the Lords on Wednesday that 27 people were made homeless during the disorder last night “because people went door-to-door to try and target foreign nationals to burn them out of their homes”.
“I can only imagine the terror,” she continued, adding: “A two-month-old is the youngest victim who had to be moved from her home and I don’t think any of us will ever be able to forget the image of a nine-year-old child and their family being put in the back of a Land Rover to be rescued from violent, racist thugs who were seeking to undermine them and to undermine their very sense of belonging in a country that many of them have lived in for decades.”
“This is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
In pictures: Burnt-out bus removed from street
18:15 , Jane Dalton
Recap: Suspect appears before magistrates' court in Belfast
18:05 , James Reynolds
Hadi Alodid, 30, of Duncairn Avenue in Belfast, appeared before the city’s magistrates’ court on Wednesday charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer and with possession of a knife.
Alodid refused legal representation and made no reply to charges which were put to him through an Arabic interpreter. When asked if he wished to apply for bail, he indicated he did, to which police “strongly” objected.
A detective told the court the victim had lost his left eye and received deep cuts to his head, face and back, according to PA. She said police received a report of a serious assault in the Kinnaird Avenue area at 10.30pm on Monday.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the defendant armed with a knife and removed him from on top of the victim, she said.
She also told the court the defendant said “I’ve killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead” while in hospital receiving treatment for a hand injury, and told medical staff, “I will kill you”.
Alodid was remanded in custody for four weeks until Wednesday July 8, when he is due to appear by video-link.
Farage defends protesters in Northern Ireland
17:55 , Jane Dalton
By political editor David Maddox:
Nigel Farage has defended protesters in Northern Ireland after a night of unrest and riots that led to buildings being set alight in Belfast following an alleged attempted beheading of a man by a Somali immigrant on a five-year visa.
The Reform UK leader described the attack as "barbaric" and conceded that there were “many bad actors” who could not be justified in the protests.
But he added: “The vast majority of those people who were out on the streets in Belfast last night were not far-right, were not extremists, just really scared about what's going on in their communities and about the lack of government action. There's none. Have you heard a single proposal? Nothing.”
He claimed the attacker should “never have been allowed in this country”.
Police braced for more violence
17:40 , Jane Dalton
Police are braced for more violence after “sickening” racist disorder as a Sudanese man was remanded in custody over the Belfast knife attack which triggered the unrest.
Mobs in Belfast set homes, a bus and cars on fire, targeting people based on their race.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets tonight.
“We will deal with this,” he said.
“We will be on the streets tonight in numbers even more than we were last night, and we have got arrangements in hand to get mutual aid that will be arriving here tomorrow.”
Police forces across the UK are monitoring intelligence on protests and have plans in place to allow them to mobilise officers should further disorder break out.
'Anecdotal evidence' of pupils staying away from school
17:30 , Jane Dalton
There was “some anecdotal evidence of a decrease of pupil attendance” after overnight disturbances in Northern Ireland, Stormont's education minister says.
Paul Givan told the Northern Ireland Assembly’s education committee that the fall in attendance was “particularly amongst newcomer population” - those pupils for whom English or Irish is not their first language, the BBC reports.
He said A-Level and GCSE exams were continuing as normal.
East Belfast businesses shut up shop
17:19 , Jane Dalton
Most businesses in the Newtownards Road in east Belfast closed their shutters today, fearing further unrest.
Translink cancelled all bus and rail services this evening, also saying it expected more disorder.
Worshippers locked in Glasgow mosque as marchers approached
17:11 , Jane Dalton
Worshippers had to be locked in Glasgow’s largest mosque as tensions flared in the city, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said.
Protesters took to the streets in several parts of Scotland, including Glasgow city centre, where some of those involved invoked the memory of murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak. One banner read “white lives matter”.
Videos appear to show violent clashes between those in the protest in Glasgow – as a gang marched through the city centre – and members of the public.
Mr Sarwar told the Press Association that worshippers in Glasgow Central Mosque had to be locked in the building, as marchers appeared to be heading towards the building.
He said many of those marching had been clad in balaclavas and black hoodies, saying their behaviour was “intimidating” to passers-by “particularly those from certain minority backgrounds”.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said the scenes were unacceptable.
Anti-racism group organises counter-protest
16:45 , Jane Dalton
United Against Racism Belfast says it is organising a rally in the city on Saturday.
“Racist pogroms in our city last night have left communities terrified,” organisers wrote.
“This brand of collective punishment - targeting whole groups of people because of the actions of an individual - is racist and it must be challenged.”
Second man charged with riot
16:26 , Jane Dalton
A 42-year-old man has become the second person to be charged with riot after a night of disorder in Belfast.
He has been charged with riot, attempted criminal damage and assault on a police designated person, police said.
He was due to appear at Belfast magistrates’ court.
Watch: Belfast riots take centre stage at PMQs – analysis
16:22 , Jane Dalton
By our political editor David Maddox and political correspondent Millie Cooke:
Anti-immigration march in Dublin draws hundreds
16:02 , Jane Dalton
Several hundred people have joined an anti-immigration rally in Dublin, the Irish capital.
According to national broadcaster RTE, traffic and public transport were disrupted and one side of O'Connell Street at the GPO was blocked by the rally.
The organisers called the gathering and march to Leinster House, the seat of the Dail, to call for a referendum on the EU Migration Pact.
Musk denies stoking tension and blames immigration policy
15:46 , Jane Dalton
Billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who continued overnight to promote calls for people to take to the streets in response to Monday’s knife attack, has hit back at accusations he is inflaming tensions, and instead blamed immigration policy.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey spoke of “extremists who exploit that grief and anger to spread hatred and violence, aided and abetted by social media barons like Elon Musk and their divisive algorithms”.
Musk shared lists on X of locations where protests could take place and retweeted Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe’s post saying “Millions must go”.
But he supported a post by GB News presenter Matt Goodwin saying it was not social media or him inflaming tensions in the UK, but “the very deliberate policy of mass uncontrolled immigration and open borders”.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “We will crack down on anyone who is fuelling this division.”
Asked what he would do, No 10 referred back to actions the PM had taken over the last year on social media and said he “won’t hesitate to do that again”.
Watch: Recap of unrest in Belfast and Southampton
15:29 , Jane Dalton
DUP leader calls for 'open porous border' to be closed
15:17 , Jane Dalton
The “open porous border” between Northern Ireland and the Republic should be closed, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said, after a Belfast knife attack triggered unrest.
At Prime Minister’s Questions the Belfast East MP said: “The Prime Minister knows that the man charged entered our country illegally, he passed through two safe countries and attained asylum in record time.
“Will he meet with me urgently to discuss the steps he and his Government will take to ensure our values are enforced, that the rule of law in this country sustains and that he protects and closes the open, porous border between our country and the Irish Republic?”
Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very happy to meet him and other MPs from Northern Ireland”.
“We are all sickened by this attack but the scenes of violent disorder have no justification, we need to be really clear about that,” he added.
Tommy Robinson backer involved in Belfast unrest
15:12 , Holly Bancroft
Tommy Robinson associate Danny 'Tommo' Thomas, who was involved in trips to France to intimidate migrants, travelled to Belfast for the riots yesterday.
In a post on social media platform X, Mr Thomas thanked "the true Patriots of Belfast from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me with open arms".
Mr Thomas, a far-right activist, was reportedly detained at Heathrow in May after travelling to Belgium to try to stop migrants from boarding small boats crossing the Channel.
Northern Ireland justice minister Naomi Long has blamed far-right online agitators for stoking racial tension following Tuesday's stabbing.
Family ‘traumatised’ after rioters tried to burn down house as children slept in beds
14:35 , Jane Dalton
Family ‘traumatised’ after rioters tried to burn down house as children slept in beds
No 10 refuses to comment on potential changes to 'open border' deal
14:09 , Jane Dalton
Downing Street would not be drawn on potential changes to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement after DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the “open porous border” between Northern Ireland and the Republic should be closed.
After Labour MP Anna Turley said there was a “live conversation” among ministers to ensure the area was not used as a back route to exploit the UK asylum system, the No 10 spokesman said: “I think she also pointed out that the perpetrator is the person responsible for the horrific scenes we saw yesterday, but this is a moving picture, and it’s right that we let the criminal proceedings that are now under way run their course.”
Asked if there could be changes after proceedings end, he said: “I don’t want to get ahead of a case that charges have just been brought, so I think it’s right that the police have time and space to act accordingly.”
Government ‘absolutely committed’ to Northern Ireland border security
14:02 , Jane Dalton
The government is “absolutely committed” to tackling gangs exploiting the UK’s immigration system, Downing Street says.
The man suspected of Monday’s stabbing in Belfast told officials he had travelled from Sudan to Paris, and then from Paris to Dublin.
The Common Travel Area allows UK and Irish citizens to travel freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland without having documents checked. Foreign nationals may cross freely into the UK, but must have a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry if they want to travel to Northern Ireland.
Asked what the government was doing to ensure the security of the Northern Irish border, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “This government is absolutely committed to taking down criminal gangs to exploit vulnerable people to make quick cash, and we work closely with Ireland to support them on border security.
“This includes a joint commitment to protect the CTA from abuse.”
He added joint operations had led to over 200 arrests of organised criminals and immigration offenders in relation to the CTA.
Irish politicians slate 'racist violence by organised mobs' in Belfast
13:51 , Jane Dalton
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has slammed “racist intimidation and violence” in Northern Ireland on Tuesday night which she said was “orchestrated by loyalist and far-right thugs”.
In Dublin’s Dáil [parliament] she condemned the “nightmare” stabbing attack in Belfast and said: “It was right that political leaders in the North came together to unequivocally condemn this attack and to call for the swift delivery of justice.”
She spoke out against the masked men and “organised mobs” who burned families out of their homes, saying they echoed pogroms in Bombay Street in Belfast in 1969.
“We witnessed racist intimidation and violence orchestrated by loyalist and far-right thugs, people hell-bent on whipping up hatred for their own ends,” she said.
“When we said that we would never allow anyone to be treated this way again we meant it, and we meant anyone, not Irish, not any community.
“Nobody has the right to spread fear, to intimidate, to terrify innocent families, and we have a duty to communities to show political leadership to stand up for what is right.
Irish premier Micheál Martin said the stabbing attack on Monday was “savage” and the violence on Tuesday night was “appalling” and “orchestrated”.
Suspect did not have visa to enter UK
13:32 , Holly Bancroft
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) says the man suspected of the stabbing in Belfast on Monday “entered our country illegally”, and the Home Office has confirmed that Hadi Alodid did not have permission to enter the UK from Ireland.
Gavin Robinson told the Commons said the man, named in court this morning as Hadi Alodid, “passed through two safe countries and obtained asylum in record time”.
The Home Office have previously confirmed that Alodid entered the UK in 2023, applied for asylum, and was granted refugee status in the same year. He was given leave to remain for five years, the usual initial visa grant for successful refugees.
Alodid told officials that he had entered the UK via the Common Travel Area, by taking a bus across the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland. He said he had travelled from Sudan to Paris, and then from Paris to Dublin, on unknown dates.
The Common Travel Area allows UK and Irish citizens to travel freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland without having documents checked. Though foreign nationals can cross freely into the UK, they must have a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry if they want to travel to Northern Ireland.
The Home Office confirmed that Alodid did not have a valid visa when he crossed into the UK.
More expected disorder halts bus and train services tonight
13:27 , Jane Dalton
Public transport chiefs say they are halting services this evening because more disorder is expected.
All Translink bus departures will stop at 5pm and there will be no train services leaving after 6pm because of expected protests, the Northern Ireland public transport operator said.
Victim’s family condemn riots and say unrest is unwelcome: full report
13:24 , Jane Dalton
Belfast stabbing victim’s family condemn riots and say ‘unrest is unwelcome’
First person charged with riot due to appear in court
13:22 , Jane Dalton
The first person charged over disorder is to appear in court today, the Police Service of Northern Ireland say.
The man, 39, who has been charged with riot, was arrested in Newtownabbey on Tuesday night.
He is due to appear before Belfast magistrates this afternoon.
All video and online footage is being reviewed, with further arrests and charges to follow, police say.
'We don't want tragedy to divide people': Victim's family condemn violence
13:18 , Jane Dalton
Breaking news: The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who lost an eye in Monday's attack, have said unrest “is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward”.
In a statement issued through Phillip Brett, a DUP member of the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, Mr Ogilvie's family also thanked the bystanders who stepped in to protect him.
They condemned the violent unrest in Belfast last night.
The statement reads: "We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
“We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment.
“We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.
“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident.
“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward. We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.
“We are asking the media and the public to please give us some space. We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened.
“If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police. Thank you for respecting our privacy."
Government providing PSNI with extra £37.8m per year
13:03 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
by Millie Cooke, political correspondent
The government is providing the Police Service of Northern Ireland with an extra £37.8m per year in additional security funding, a minister said, adding that he "absolutely recognises the financial pressures that PSNI faces".
Dan Jarvis told the Commons: "The government absolutely recognises the financial pressures that PSNI faces. As he will understand, policing is largely a devolved mater in Northern Ireland, but in recognition of the security situation in Northern Ireland the government is providing PSNI with £37.8m in additional security funding for each financial year until 2028/29.
"And as I've said, the secretary of state for Northern Ireland is there with the chief constable John Boutcher this morning and I'm certain they will be having conversations about whether there is more that we can do to provide support."
Watch: Starmer says Reform 'whipping up fear and division' in Belfast
13:02 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Two police officers injured during Belfast disorder, PSNI chief says
12:56 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Two police officers were injured as they tackled violence on the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night, the PSNI chief constable has said.
Jon Boutcher told journalists at a press conference: “We had one officer who was injured yesterday whilst directing traffic away from one of the pockets of disorder, and he was hit with debris on the head. He’s okay.
“The second officer suffered smoke inhalation when a petrol bomb exploded near him and went under his snood, and had to be taken to hospital.”
Mr Boutcher added: “Thankfully, last night, with regards to people we evacuated from those houses, there were no injuries.
“Our absolute focus yesterday was to protect life and property, and that’s what we achieved.“We’ll now follow up with going after those who are responsible for those unacceptable scenes last night.”
Three arrests made over Belfast disorder
12:54 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Three arrests have been made following disorder in Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening “but more will surely follow”, security minister Dan Jarvis told the Commons.
He said: “I would like to pay tribute to the police and the other emergency services for their work last night.
“Faced with an extraordinarily challenging situation, they responded with great courage and they are owed our thanks.
“Our message to those responsible for last night’s disorder is altogether different. To them, we say this, ‘you will be caught, and you will face the consequences of your actions’.
“As of this morning, there have been three arrests, but more will surely follow.
“To those considering joining further disorder, my message is clear – do not do it.
“You will be held accountable for your actions. You will feel the full force of the law.”
Starmer warns ‘very real fear’ being felt by communities in Northern Ireland after violent protests
12:34 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
by Athena Stavrou, political reporter
The prime minister has warned some families and communities “are too scared to go about their business” following violent protests in Belfast overnight.
Asked by Ayoub Khan MP what action he would take about those inciting and carrying out violence, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The fear that this instills in some of our communities is a very real fear.
“It is being felt today, this hour, in Northern Ireland by families who are too scared to go about their lawful work, to got to school and to go about their business.
“That is exactly what it does which is why we must all condemn it.”
Stabbing suspect 'obtained asylum in record time', DUP leader says
12:33 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said the man suspected of the stabbing in Belfast on Monday “entered our country illegally”.
Gavin Robinson said the man, named in court this morning as Hadi Alodid, “passed through two safe countries and obtained asylum in record time”.
“The north Belfast attack on Monday was medieval, it was sadistic, and it has sadly been viewed by millions in this country,” Mr Robinson told the Commons.
“As reprehensible as it was, the outrageous violence, intimidation, and community damage carried out last night in my constituency and other parts of Northern Ireland require the strongest condemnation.
“it is impossible to share concerns about damage to our British values and then act in a way that tarnishes the very thing we should want to protect.
He added: “The prime minister knows that the man charged entered our country illegally. He passed through two safe countries and obtained asylum in record time.”
He asked Sir Keir to meet with him to “ensure our values are enforced”.
The PSNI has not said Alodid arrived in the country illegally.
Watch: Starmer condemns ‘unjustified’ violence in Belfast
12:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Court sketch of stabbing suspect released
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A court sketch of stabbing suspect Hadi Alodid has been released.
Alodid was remanded in custody after he appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.
Kemi Badenoch side by side with the prime minister
12:11 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
by David Maddox, political editor
There are moments when the Commons comes together and this is one of them. Kemi Badenoch responds to the prime minister’s brief statement on Belfast.
She agrees people “have the right to be angry” but warns that they do not have the right to set fire to homes and riot.
She clearly does not want to use her questions on the issue but does add a hint of opposition saying “people have a right to expect their borders to be secured.”
With a live criminal case ongoing into the attack which has sparked the unrest she moves on.
Starmer says acts of violence in Belfast 'totally unjustified'
12:07 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer has said acts of violence in Belfast overnight are “totally unjustified” as he opened PMQs.
“People are rightly sickened by the horrific attack on Monday night in north Belfast,” he said. “As you have just said the man arrested has been in court in Belfast this morning and charged.
“I want to thank the PSNI and other first responders and members of the public who responded with such bravery, and our thoughts are with the victim,” he continued.
“But let me be clear. The acts of violence and arson that followed are totally unjustified. This morning I spoke with the first minister, the deputy first minister, and the chief constable, and the secretary of state for northern Ireland is meeting leaders in Belfast today.
“We are united in calling for calm, determined to restore order, support the police and all those on the front line, and ensure that justice is done.”
PSNI to draft in extra 200 officers through 'mutual aid', chief says
11:49 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The chief constable of the PSNI has appealed for calm on the streets of Belfast as he said the force will be drafting in extra officers.
During a press conference, Jon Boutcher said the force is using “mutual aid” to get around 200 more officers on the streets.
PSNI confirmed to The Independent these officers will be brought in from forces across the UK.
“This has got to stop,” he said. “Please, no more.”
Belfast school children sent home ahead of ‘potential further unrest’
11:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
by Harriette Boucher, news reporter
Schools and businesses in Belfast are closing today over fears of further protests expected to kick off at around 1pm.
Seaview Primary School, which is near the alleged stabbing attack on Monday, told parents that children were being sent home at 11am over fears of “further unrest”.
In a post on Facebook, the school said: “In light of the events in Belfast last night and ongoing concerns regarding potential further unrest today, the decision has been taken to close the school early in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff.”
Rathcoole Primary & Nursery School also announced it was closing at midday due to road closures in the area. It said other schools would do same.
Pastor Johnny McKee from Belfast’s New Life City Church said calls for more protests had been circulating on social media since 9am.
He said businesses had been advised to close this morning before protestors took to the streets.
Belfast City Councillor Paul Doherty said the post suggested “very similar” demonstrations would reoccur today, adding that there was “quite a lot of concern” in the community.
Anyone involved in attacks on community can 'expect to go to prison,' judge warns
11:10 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A Belfast judge has warned that anyone who plans to take part in further disorder in Northern Ireland should “be prepared to go to prison” and said the courts “won’t tolerate” any attacks on emergency services.
After refusing bail for a man charged with attempted murder in a stabbing incident preceding riots and violence in Belfast, judge Stephen Keown commended the emergency services who came to the aid of the victim.
Speaking at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, he said that the court’s thoughts were with the victim, the members of the public who intervened and the emergency services who went to the victims’ aid.
He said those members of the public, the police and the emergency services should be commended.
He said that emergency services who had helped the victim now coming “under attack is something the courts won’t tolerate”.
He noted that there is a call on social media for men aged over 18 to close streets, wear dark clothes and to be prepared to fight and be arrested.
He said that anyone involved in attacks on the community and members of the community can “also expect to go to prison, and that message should be sent out loud and clear”.
Two month-old baby rescued by police during violence
11:05 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A two-month-old baby was rescued during the violence in Belfast on Tuesday night, the chief constable of the PSNI has said.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster: “Last night we rescued so many families.
“Taking families – a baby as young as two months – out of their address to safety, taking them to police stations.”
He added: “And by the way, these weren’t just families from ethnic minority communities, these were families from across communities that were caught up in this vile behaviour last night.
“There is absolutely no excuse for it.
“And I do just want to say very specifically a huge thank you to all of the officers of the PSNI last night who again stood in harm’s way to try to keep people safe, and the ambulance service and the fire service, (who) were remarkable in doing everything that they could to make sure that we kept any disruption or any risk to people to an absolute minimum.”
Alodid refused bail after fears of 'significant public disorder'
10:56 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Hadi Alodid has been refused bail after a detective told Belfast Magistrates’ Court there was a fear it would lead to “significant public disorder” if he was released due to “strong public feeling” about the incident.
Police said they “strongly” opposed bail on the grounds that Alodid is charged with an “extremely serious offence” that has “garnered serious media attention”.
The detective said if further offences were committed they would be “serious and unpredictable in nature”, and said the applicant is from Sudan and has links outside of the jurisdiction.
She also told the court he may fear for his own safety or fear a possible long custodial sentence.
The defendant made no reply.
District judge Stephen Keown said the risks were “far too great” and would be “unmanageable by any bail conditions”, and refused bail due to the risk of reoffending, risk of harm to the public, risk of public disorder and risk of flight.
He is next due to appear in court in four weeks’ time.
Victim named as Stephen Ogilvie
10:46 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The victim of an alleged knife attack in Belfast on Monday has been named in court as Stephen Ogilvie.
At a hearing on Wednesday morning the court heard Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye during the alleged incident.
Hadi Alodid, 30, is accused of the attempted stabbing murder of Mr Ogilvie.
Suspect named as Hadi Alodid and remanded in custody
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Hadi Alodid has been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for four weeks after being charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Victim 'lost left eye in the attack', court hears
10:28 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The victim of the Belfast stabbing lost his left eye in the attack, Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard.
A detective told the court that the defendant said “I’ve killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead” while in hospital receiving treatment for a hand injury and told medical staff “I will kill you”.
Hadi Alodid, 30, with an address at Duncairn Avenue in Belfast, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, with threats to kill an NHS radiographer and with possession of a knife.
The detective told the court that at 10.30pm on Monday police received report of a serious assault in the Kinnaird Avenue area.
She said they found the defendant armed with a knife at the scene and removed him from on top of the victim.
She said the victim has lost his left eye, and has deep cuts to his head, face and back.
Very small proportion of UK asylum seekers live in Northern Ireland, data shows
10:25 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
by Holly Bancroft, Home Affairs correspondent
Analysis of government data shows that there were 2,379 asylum seekers being supported by the Home Office in Northern Ireland as of March this year. This is compared to 97,519 people receiving asylum support in the whole of the UK - meaning Northern Ireland houses 2.4 per cent of the asylum-seeking population.
The number of people in asylum accommodation or receiving financial support has also been falling in recent years, with 3,030 individuals in this position in 2023 in Northern Ireland.
There is no data on the number of people who claim asylum in Northern Ireland, just numbers on those who are being housed or who receive funds while they await an asylum decision.
There is no government data on the number of people in Northern Ireland who receive positive asylum decisions each year. In the case of the Belfast stabbing, the Sudanese suspect was granted refugee status in 2023 and so he would likely have been required to move out of Home Office accommodation on receipt of this successful claim.
Is it safe to travel to Belfast? Latest police advice after violent protests hit Northern Irish capital
10:18 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Traffic is returning to normal in Belfast on Wednesday morning after hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Tuesday evening following a stabbing attack, throwing transport into chaos.
Police and politicians in Belfast are calling for calm today after several vehicles and houses caught fire across the city in the anti-immigration demonstrations, which turned violent.
The protests caused traffic to be seriously disrupted as roads closed, and buses and trains were suspended, although as of Wednesday morning services are back to normal.
You can read everything you need to know if you’re visiting Belfast below:
Is it safe to travel to Belfast? Latest police advice after violent protests
Swinney condemns violence in Scotland following Belfast stabbing
10:12 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
First Minister John Swinney has said Scotland must stand against racism, hatred and intimidation after protests following a knife attack in Belfast.
In a post on social media, Mr Swinney said: “The scenes we saw in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr last night are unacceptable.
“Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities.
“Racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland. We must stand against it.”
Starmer brands Belfast violence 'shocking and completely unacceptable'
10:07 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer has said violence in Belfast last night was “shocking and completely unacceptable”.
“There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere,” he said in a statement.
“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.
“I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to convey my thanks to them and the frontline emergency services for their bravery in keeping people safe. I’ve also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to discuss the ongoing situation.
“Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now. We must let the police get on with their work.”
‘Hero’ bystander who fought off Belfast knifeman with hurling stick ‘glad’ he intervened
09:55 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A “hero” bystander who bravely intervened in a knife attack in Belfast said he was trying to “protect a young lad” and was glad he stood up to the attacker.
Maitiu Mag Tighearnan has been praised for his actions after he bravely used a hurling stick to fight off a man attacking the victim, who suffered serious injuries to his eyes, neck and back, in north Belfast on Monday night.
More than £18,000 has been raised to show support for the 32-year-old father and “buy him a pint”.
You can read the full report from Harriette Boucher below:
‘Hero’ who fought Belfast knifeman with hurling stick ‘glad’ to help
Police chief defends decision to release information on suspect's ethnicity
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The chief constable of the PSNI has defended its release of information relating to a knife attack in Belfast.
Jon Boutcher was responding to concerns on the same programme raised by Tura Arutura, from the African Arts Collective, on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster, who said the police initially put out misleading information.
Mr Boutcher said: “I understand the concerns Tura expressed there, but we have learned that if we don’t give information, then online misinformation and lies lead to people believing things that aren’t true and start to mindlessly conduct attacks – and that was what happened at Southport not that long ago.”
On the initial information from the PSNI that the suspect was from Somalia rather than Sudan, he said: “We said we ‘believe’ that because that was the information that we were given after the incident occurred and we’re always going to get more detailed information as time passes by.
“I was pushing very directly with the Home Office to give us the information that we required so that we could comply with the lessons learned previously.”
The chief constable said the policing response to disorder was about protecting life and involved reaching out to ethnic minorities.
“Last night we rescued so many families, taking a baby as young as two months out their address to safety.”
DUP MP calls for government crackdown on land border to Northern Ireland
09:09 , Holly Evans
DUP MP Carla Lockhart said the Government must crack down on illegal immigration into Northern Ireland in the wake of a stabbing which sparked a night of violence in Belfast, or “significant unrest” will continue.
Ms Lockhart, who is the MP for Upper Bann, said the Labour Government must review the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which allows for the free movement of people under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, as the Government has let “uncontrolled immigration get out of control”.
Speaking on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday, Ms Lockhart said: “That’s where this problem lies, and unless the Government step up, I fear we will continue to see significant unrest within our communities.”
Asked why freedom of movement matters when the Sudanese suspect entered the country legally, Ms Lockhart said: “Well, ultimately, this individual came from Paris to Dublin flew then from Dublin to Northern Ireland, you know, that’s unacceptable. He came with no checks. He should have been seeking asylum where he first positioned himself.”
Local resident whose house was destroyed has lost 'sentimental' items in blaze
08:52 , Holly Evans
A man whose house in Belfast was “completely” destroyed during disorder in Belfast last night said he lost “sentimental” items in the fire, including items belonging to his late father.
Jamie Corry, who has lived on Lendrick Street for 13 years, said there were cars parked near his house that were targeted last night.
“I came out that door and I told them: ‘This is my property, this is my property here,’ and then they started to light the red car up,” he said.
“So once I saw the flames starting to get bigger and bigger, I moved away from my property, I moved down the street there and watched it all. The next minute the cars started to explode, the doors started smoking, the windows started melting, and the next thing the house was going to go up on fire.”
He said he has been in the property on Wednesday morning and said his possessions are destroyed, including items belonging to his late father.
“It’s destroyed, top to bottom it’s completely destroyed,” he said.
Asked what happens next, he said he would go to the Housing Executive and tell them what’s happened: “I don’t know where to start. I’m just glad my family, my kids were around at my missus’ house at the time.”
