UMVA has learned that violent protests erupted in east Belfast, with rioters setting fire to houses, cars, and a Glider bus, prompting public transport services to be suspended.
The chaos unfolded during an anti-immigration demonstration organized in response to a brutal knife attack that occurred on Monday night. Protesters, some wearing masks, clashed with police, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
In Lendrick Street, several cars were set alight, and residents were rescued from houses that caught fire. Firefighters battled to contain the blazes, with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) officers working tirelessly to respond to a high volume of fire calls.
The NIFRS spokesperson described it as a "busy evening" with 256 calls received between 7 pm and midnight, resulting in attendance at 62 incidents. The majority of these incidents were in the Greater Belfast Area, where additional fire appliances were deployed to meet demand.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised officers for working alongside partner agencies to respond to incidents and keep people safe. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the "outright thuggery," describing the actions of masked men burning families out of their homes as "disgusting cowardice."
The PSNI has launched a critical incident investigation into the original knife attack, which occurred on Monday night. Detectives have revealed that there is no indication the attack was terror-related, and footage shows people intervening to stop the suspect.
The suspect, who entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border in February 2023, had claimed asylum and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028. The community remains on edge as authorities work to restore order and investigate the incidents.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn expressed concern that the scenes of disorder were only damaging communities and putting innocent lives at risk. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed this sentiment, stating that taking frustration out on those who had no part in the original attack was "utterly wrong."
