Reports of racially motivated attacks as Belfast burns in protests after stabbing
Updated . First published
There have been reports of racially motivated attacks and people having to flee their homes in Northern Ireland as violent protests after a man identified as a Sudanese national was charged with attempted murder over an alleged knife attack in a Belfast street.
A Belfast pastor, Jack McKee, told the BBC some homes had been targeted by attackers because of the ethnicity of the occupants.
A man has been charged with attempted murder over a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast, Northern Ireland. X
“They’re good Christian people and they’re getting put out just because they’re black,” he said.
“I’m doing my best to help them, it’s as simple as that.”
The UK Telegraph has also reported that a Middle Eastern supermarket was targeted.
Other footage shown by UK media depicted people fleeing burning homes and, in some cases, carrying children.
The alleged attack took place at about 10.30pm on Monday night (7.30am Tuesday AEST), police said.
No details have been provided about anything leading up to the alleged attack but Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said a man had suffered “serious injuries to his eyes and slash-wound injuries to his back and face”.
A 30-year-old man, identified as being from Sudan, has been charged with multiple offences including attempted murder and will face court Wednesday local time (Wednesday night to Thursday morning AEST).
Video posted to social media appears to show a man brandishing a knife and standing over another man in the street.
Henderson commended bystanders who rushed to intervene before police arrived.
He described the incident as a “brutal attack”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the alleged attack as “horrific” and “sickening”.
“I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets,” he said.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.”
Stabbing triggers violent unrest
The UK Home Office has confirmed the alleged attacker was a Sudanese national who was granted refugee status in 2023.
His nationality has sparked more calls for a review of migration laws across Britain, where far-right politicians have blamed migrants in the name of targeting violent crime.
Street protests quickly erupted in Belfast, with vehicles burned amid the unrest.
“Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire,” Henderson said.
Protests have already erupted across Northern Ireland. Getty Images
Vehicles set on fire by protesters burn on Lendrick Street in east Belfast, Northern Ireland. PA
“We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe.
“We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder.”
Images showed multiple cars and even a bus set on fire, while young protesters also burned barricades and were pictured jumping on police vans.
Crime committed by migrants has been a hot-button issue in Northern Ireland, with protests also erupting mid-last year over an alleged rape.
The wider UK is also at boiling point over what far-right politicians claim is crime caused by unchecked immigration.
Protests also took place in other parts of the UK after video of the knife attack leaked, though many were non-violent.
North Belfast MP John Finucane took to social media to condemn the violence of the protesters.
Disorder in Belfast. PA Images via Getty Images
Protestors attack a Police vehicle on Sandy Row in Belfast. Getty Images
“There is understandable disgust & revulsion at the horrific attempted murder that took place last night. I share that revulsion,” he said in a post on X.
“But the scenes we are witnessing tonight, family homes attacked, cars burnt, damaged infrastructure & parts of our community in flames, are shameful & disgraceful.
“No one has the right to spread fear, terrorise innocent families or unleash lawless disorder on our streets.”
He said most residents were focused on supporting the alleged victim and his family.
Masked protesters stand by burning trash containers on Ligoniel Road in Belfast. PA
“The actions of those who are destroying their own communities are totally unacceptable,” he said.
“It is clear that the horrendous attack last night is being used to whip up fear, division & hatred. That must be called out.”
Other political leaders in Northern Ireland have also called for calm.
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