Belfast: Protesters in Belfast set a bus on fire during an anti-immigration demonstration, following a stabbing incident earlier in the week. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported dealing with "sporadic pockets of disorder" in several locations as tensions escalated.
According to Ghana News Agency, masked individuals ignited commercial bins and pushed them into a Glider bus on Newtownards Road, where a large crowd had gathered for the protest. This incident was part of a wider series of demonstrations across Northern Ireland, sparked by Monday night's stabbing attack. Reports indicate that roads have been blocked in various parts of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed that vehicles were set on fire amid the unrest. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid activities that could endanger themselves or others. Officers were actively working with partner agencies to respond to incidents and ensure public safety. Henderson also called on community leaders to promote peaceful protests and discourage violence.
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Paul Givan, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during protests to ensure the focus remains on immigration issues rather than being overshadowed by violence. Givan, who attended a protest in Lisburn, stressed the need for peaceful expression of views.
Following the stabbing incident, a 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder and other offenses. He is set to appear in Belfast Magistrates' Court. The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in serious condition in the hospital. Authorities have condemned the attack and clarified that there is no indication it was terror-related.
PSNI launched a 'critical incident' response after the attack, which was captured on video showing the assailant using a knife on the victim. The police chief and political leaders have warned against letting social media influence public sentiment, urging the community to allow law enforcement to handle the situation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, expressing zero tolerance for violence and extending thoughts to the victim and gratitude to first responders. The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont also released a joint statement condemning the attack and appealing for public cooperation in the investigation.
The attack scene near Kinnaird Avenue remains secured by police as investigations continue.