Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Northern Ireland's political parties have condemned a hacking attack in Belfast that left a man in his 40s in serious condition in hospital. The victim suffered significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wounds to his back and face, police said. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade in a public place, and threats to kill.
Following the brutal incident, anti-immigration riots erupted in Belfast, with a mob setting fire to a bus. In London, a protest led by Tommy Robinson and influenced by Elon Musk caused significant chaos. Robinson issued a rallying cry: 'The whole of the United Kingdom is hitting the streets tonight following yet another invader attack on our people.' Crowds carried banners reading 'no racism, just patriotism', 'enough is enough', and 'end two tier policing, end two tier justice'. They chanted 'secure our borders, mass deportation', 'stop the boats, send them home', and 'Keir Starmer's a w*****'. Others demanded their 'country back'.
Robinson posted images of the burning bus, saying: 'Belfast is burning. Britain's politicians have failed us all.'
Political Leaders Call for Calm
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long stated: 'The only people who will be harmed if there is unrest on our streets are innocent people. The only thing that will be achieved is further victims. I'm asking for people to be calm, to be rational at a time when it is easy to be irrational, because you're hurt, you're upset, and you're angry and because there are bad faith actors who want to stir trouble. It is not in the interests of anyone in Northern Ireland for us to see our community torn apart. I understand that many people from our ethnic minority and foreign national community will be fearful today. One individual doing one awful act is not representative of everyone who lives in Northern Ireland, nor should we allow it to become so.'
Education Minister Paul Givan added: 'It is important that people conduct themselves in a peaceful manner to make sure that the key issues here around immigration can be heard and we are not distracted by any form of violence. That will only distract. People should express their views in a peaceful manner.'
Starmer and Party Leaders Condemn Attack
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.'
Earlier on Tuesday, the leaders of five of Northern Ireland's main political parties issued a joint statement from Alliance, Sinn Féin, the Democratic Unionist Party, Social Democratic and Labour Party, and the Ulster Unionist Party. They said: 'There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery. Our thoughts are also with those eye-witnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened. We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community. We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to re-traumatise those involved. We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities. We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.'
Reform UK and DUP Responses
Reform MP Zia Yusuf, reposted by leader Nigel Farage, said: '4 months ago I announced that a Reform government would impose a TOTAL BAN on visas for anyone from Sudan. We also announced we would deport all illegal migrants, and abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain. Prime Minister Farage will reverse the invasion and ensure you no longer.'
DUP leader Gavin Robinson declared: 'North Belfast has witnessed a shocking and brutal act of violence. My thoughts are with the victim and their family. People have a right to feel safe in their community. The police should outline the facts as a matter of urgency. Those responsible must face the full consequences of their actions. There can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence on our streets.'
