UMVA has learned that a devastating wave of riots has left a trail of destruction across Belfast, with a local supermarket bearing the brunt of the violence.
The owner of the Sham Supermarket on Donegall Road in south Belfast was seen surveying the damage outside his property, which was first targeted earlier in the year. The interior of the store, which specializes in Middle Eastern foods, is seriously damaged, with the riots believed to have been deliberately targeted.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the violence erupted after a man was left with serious injuries in a knife attack on Kinnaird Road in north Belfast. The victim, identified as Stephen Ogilvie, was attacked at around 10:30 pm on Monday, sparking widespread disorder across the city.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill. Footage of the attack has been credited with sparking unrest in the area, with a police land rover attacked on Crumlin Road and a Glider bus set on fire on Newtownards Road.
The riots continued into the night, with several fires breaking out and crowds confronting police. Homes were set alight, and residents reported seeing their properties destroyed. One resident, Jamie Corry, who has lived on Lendrick Street for 13 years, recounted confronting rioters before they lit his car on fire.
As the situation spiralled out of control, Corry moved away from his property and watched in horror as his car was engulfed in flames. When he returned to his property on Wednesday morning, he was met with a scene of utter devastation. "It's destroyed, top to bottom it's completely destroyed," he said.
