A supermarket in Belfast has been severely damaged for a second time during Tuesday's riots, after previously being targeted by protesters in 2024. Footage captured this morning shows the entrance to The Sham supermarket on the Donegall Road had been set ablaze, with metal gates torn open by rioters the previous night.
History of Targeting
The same store was attacked in 2024 during anti-immigration protests sparked by the Southport stabbings. At that time, a butcher working at the shop, Jamal Ghabes, told the BBC he would be relocating to a different shop in west Belfast, stating he no longer felt safe living in Northern Ireland. It remains unclear who currently operates the supermarket, but the interior has sustained serious damage from the latest riots.
Wider Violence Across Belfast
Across the city, homes and cars were set on fire as riots erupted following a knife attack that left a man with serious injuries. The victim was attacked on Kinnaird Road in north Belfast around 10:30 pm on Monday. He has been identified by neighbours as Stephen Ogilvie.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national living near the attack site was arrested and later charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and making threats to kill. He appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
Targeted Attacks on Property
Footage of the attack has fueled unrest in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK. 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 also set alight in what are believed to be targeted attacks.
Jamie Corry, who has lived on Lendrick Street for 13 years, said he confronted rioters before they set his car on fire. 'Once I saw the flames starting to get bigger and bigger, I moved away from my property, I moved down the street, and watched it all,' he recalled. He entered his property on Wednesday morning to assess the damage. 'It's destroyed, top to bottom, it's completely destroyed,' he said.
The grocery store, which supplies a wide range of products including Middle Eastern foods, is believed to have been deliberately targeted.
