Belfast Violence Follows Stabbing Attack; Man Charged with Attempted Murder
12 reported
A 30-year-old Sudanese man is set to appear in Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder over a stabbing attack, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. The accused also faces charges of possession of a blade in a public place and making threats to kill. The charges come after a night of violence in Belfast, where anti-immigration protesters set bins and vehicles on fire, looted shops, and attacked homes. Immigrant communities expressed fear of being targeted, with Sudanese business owners on Sandy Row closing early and the Belfast Islamic Centre cancelling evening prayers. Northern Ireland’s first minister Michelle O’Neill described the scenes as “outright thuggery,” while Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn condemned the disorder. The violence followed the sharing of a graphic video of the knife attack by Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures, prompting demands for protests.
What’s reported
A 30-year-old Sudanese man is charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade in a public place, and making threats to kill over a stabbing attack.
He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court later on Wednesday.
Sudanese business owners on Sandy Row closed stores by 4pm and planned to stay home.
The Belfast Islamic Centre cancelled evening prayers; project manager Ameer Ibrahim told congregants to go home and not share rumours.
On the Shankill Road, two phone shops were looted and an African shop set on fire.
First minister Michelle O’Neill called the violence “outright thuggery” and “disgusting cowardice.”
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn condemned the “thuggery” and said police must be allowed to do their job.
A house near Shankill Road was stormed by masked men; graffiti demanded “local homes for local people.”
A car was set on fire; a bus was burned out on Newtownards Road.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said “hate cannot be allowed” to win.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appealed for calm, saying violence damages any cause.
The knife attack video was posted by Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures.
Key figures
Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s first minister
Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland secretary
Naomi Long, Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister
Emma Little-Pengelly, Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister
Ameer Ibrahim, project manager at Belfast Islamic Centre (speaking in personal capacity)
Tommy Robinson, far-right figure (mentioned as posting video)
Sources: The Guardian
