Multiple cities across the UK have been gripped by riots and anti-immigration protests after a 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder in connection with a knife attack in Northern Ireland. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “horrific”, but at the same time said that violence on the streets will not be tolerated.
The most serious incidents were recorded in Belfast, where groups of masked people gathered during the night. Demonstrators erected barricades in some locations and set fire to houses, cars and buses. In videos that have spread on social networks, residential buildings can be seen engulfed in fire, while ambulances and fire departments are trying to reach the affected areas.
Tensions have spread to other parts of Northern Ireland. Two cars were set on fire in Newtownabbey, while another vehicle was destroyed in Kilkeel. Smaller protests were also held in cities across England, Scotland and Wales, including London, Glasgow and Bangor.
O’Neill: Families were forced from their homes
The First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, condemned the violence in the strongest terms, saying that some groups of masked men were forcing families to leave their homes.
– We witnessed scenes of pure violence. People were driven from their houses, which were then set on fire. Such behavior has no justification – said O’Neill.
She warned that there are attempts to use the tragic event to incite hatred against migrants and other vulnerable groups.
– The attack in north Belfast was heinous and wrong. However, it is completely unacceptable to use that crime as an excuse to attack innocent people who live, work and raise their families here. Racism, intimidation and violence can never be the answer – she emphasized.
The video of the attack caused stormy reactions
The unrest broke out after police said they had charged a man suspected of attempted murder following a knife attack in north Belfast.
The attack, which happened on Monday night, was filmed by a passerby. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the attacker knocking the man to the ground and assaulting him repeatedly, before bystanders and police officers intervened.
After the video went viral, a number of profiles associated with anti-immigrant and far-right movements, especially on the X platform, started calling for protests.
Starmer: Zero tolerance for violence
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the knife attack as “horrific” and “deeply disturbing”, but pointed out that violent protests pose an additional threat to the safety of citizens.
– We have absolutely zero tolerance for scenes of violence like we have seen on our streets. All those responsible must answer for their actions – said Starmer.
The Police of Northern Ireland said that during the night there were several hotspots of disorder and that vehicles were set on fire and property was damaged. Citizens are invited to remain calm and express their views in a legal and non-violent manner.
Assistant Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Ryan Henderson appealed to influential members of local communities to help calm the situation.
– We again call for calm and ask everyone who has influence in the communities to encourage citizens to protest peacefully and to dissuade them from participating in violence and riots – said Henderson.
What is known about the Belfast attack?
According to police information, a man in his 40s suffered serious injuries after being attacked with a knife on Canard Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30pm local time on Monday.
A kitchen knife was found at the scene, and the victim was hospitalized with serious injuries to his eyes, face and back. His health condition is still serious.
Police said a man believed to be of Sudanese origin was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. According to available data, he traveled from Paris to Dublin in February 2023, after which he entered Northern Ireland and requested asylum. He was granted the right to stay in the United Kingdom until 2028.
The investigators emphasized that for now there are no indications that would indicate a connection between the attack and terrorism and that the investigation is still in its early stages.
The suspect was charged with attempted murder, possession of a sharp object in a public place and making death threats. His first court appearance is expected on Wednesday.
Tensions are growing over the issue of migration
This case comes at a time when Great Britain is facing increased social divisions and the growth of anti-immigrant rhetoric, which is further fueled by certain far-right movements and content on social networks.
Northern Ireland has seen racially motivated incidents before. A year ago, several days of riots broke out in Ballymena after two Romanian teenagers were accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The charges against them were later dropped.
Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long said that citizens’ concerns about the security situation must not turn into hatred against entire communities.
– Masked thugs have no place on our streets. No one has the right to threaten others, spread fear and destroy communities under the pretext of protecting them. Although I understand the concern after the attack in Belfast, we must not let hatred prevail – said Long.
(TIP/Source: federalna.ba/Photo: CNN)
