Belfast victim’s family urges calm, praises migrants’ contributions
7 reported
The family of the victim in the Belfast knife attack has issued a statement via DUP assembly member Phillip Brett, asking for privacy and expressing devastation over the attack. They thanked local people who intervened, saying their quick actions saved the victim's life, and also thanked emergency services and medical staff. The family urged against violence, stating that overnight unrest is not welcome and that peaceful protest is the only way forward. They emphasized that many migrants make a deeply valuable contribution to the country, including in healthcare and hospitality, and asked that the tragedy not be used to divide people or fuel hostility. Separately, a 39-year-old man has become the first person charged over the Belfast riots, appearing in court on a riot charge. Police in Glasgow reported that far-right protesters attacked people because of their skin color, leaving three members of the public and two officers injured, with three arrests made.
What’s reported
The victim's family issued a statement via DUP assembly member Phillip Brett, asking for privacy and saying they are "completely devastated."
The family thanked local people who intervened, stating their actions "absolutely saved his life."
The family said "overnight unrest is not welcome" and "peaceful protest is the only way forward."
The family stated that "many migrants make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector."
A 39-year-old man has been charged with riot and will appear before Belfast magistrates court.
Police Scotland said far-right protesters attacked people because of skin color in Glasgow, leaving three members of the public and two officers injured.
Three arrests were made in Glasgow of men aged 18, 18, and 31.
Key figures
Phillip Brett, DUP member of the legislative assembly
Jon Boutcher, PSNI chief constable
Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland secretary
Alan Waddell, Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland
John Swinney, first minister of Scotland
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader
Micheál Martin, taoiseach (Irish PM)
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin president
Gavin Robinson, DUP leader
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader
Sources: The Guardian
