UMVA has learned that a wave of violent protests swept through Belfast, Northern Ireland, after a shocking stabbing attack left a man fighting for his life.
The chaos erupted when crowds gathered in various locations around the capital, including Newtownards Road in the east and near the Crumlin Road roundabout. A police land rover was attacked, and a Glider bus was set on fire in Newtownards Road, with several fires breaking out and protesters confronting police.
Homes were also set alight, and the burned-out bus on Newtownards Road was a stark reminder of the violence that gripped the city. The aftermath of the night's disorder was evident in the burned-out cars and houses on Lendrick Street in east Belfast.
Emergency services attended to the scene, and Translink, which runs public transport services in Northern Ireland, suspended all bus and train services for the night. Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson urged everyone to remain calm and act responsibly.
A graphic video footage of the stabbing attack circulated online, showing a man stabbing the head and neck of a victim on the ground. The victim, identified as Stephen Ogilvie, suffered significant injuries to his eyes and slash wounds to his face and back, and is currently in a serious condition in hospital.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national, who lived close to where the attack took place, was charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
The attack has been met with widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described it as "sickening" and expressed his thoughts for the victim and gratitude to the first responders.
The protests spread to other locations across the country, including Antrim and Bangor, with hoodied protesters attacking a police van in Sandy Row, Belfast. The city was left reeling from the violence, with many calling for calm and an end to the disorder.
Labour party chairwoman Anna Turley condemned the planning of the protests on social media, saying that messages urging men to "wear dark clothing and be prepared to fight or be arrested" were "more than irresponsible, it is dangerous."
The police investigation is ongoing, and while they ruled out the attack being terror-related, they stressed that it is still in its early stages.
