Homes and cars were set on fire in widespread disorder across Northern Ireland after a man was left with serious injuries in a knife attack. The victim has been named by neighbours as Stephen Ogilvie. He lost an eye in the incident, which happened in Kinnaird Road, north Belfast, at around 10.30pm on Monday.
The suspect has been named as Hadi Alodid, 30, after he appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder. He is also charged with making threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife. It led to rioting in Belfast on Tuesday, where a bus, homes and a number of vehicles were set on fire. There were similar scenes in other towns.
What unfolded in Belfast?
Crowds gathered in various locations around the capital. There were protesters on Newtownards Road in the east and close to the Crumlin Road roundabout. A police land rover was attacked on the Crumlin Road, while a Glider bus was set on fire on Newtownards Road. Several fires broke out, and crowds confronted police. Homes were set alight. There was also disorder at other locations across the country, including Antrim and Bangor. Translink, which runs public transport services in Northern Ireland, suspended all bus and train services yesterday evening.
Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said: ‘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. We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.’
What has sparked the scenes?
Graphic video footage circulated online appeared to show a man stabbing the head and neck of a victim on the ground. The clip showed people, including a man with a hurling stick, trying to stop the attack from continuing. On Wednesday, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley condemned planning on social media for the protests. One message appeared to urge men aged 18 and over to ‘wear dark clothing and be prepared to fight or be arrested’. She told Times Radio: ‘That kind of message is more than irresponsible, it is dangerous, and it should not be happening. And I’d urge everyone to stay calm.’
Who is the victim?
The victim is understood to be Stephen Ogilvie. He suffered significant injuries to his eyes and slash wounds to his face and back. He is currently in a serious condition in the hospital.
Who is the accused?
The suspect is a 30-year-old Sudanese national. Police initially said he was believed to be from Somalia, before later confirming he was Sudanese. He lived close to where the attack took place. He was charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill. The man was granted leave to remain in the UK on September 28, 2023. He applied for asylum status after arriving in Northern Ireland in February of the same year. He travelled to Belfast from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. Police ruled out the attack being terror-related but stressed the investigation is in its early stages.
Has there been a response?
It has been met with widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.’
