Violent unrest spread across parts of Belfast on Tuesday night after a Sudanese asylum seeker was charged with attempted murder following a brutal knife attack that left a man in his 40s seriously injured.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that a 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and making threats to kill.
He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court. According to police, the victim remains in hospital with serious injuries to his eyes, face and back.
The PSNI has stated that there is currently no indication that the attack was terrorism-related.
The stabbing occurred late Monday night in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. Graphic footage circulating on social media appeared to show a man repeatedly attacking another man on the ground with a knife before members of the public intervened. Police have praised the bravery of bystanders who stepped in to stop the assault and assist the victim.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the incident had caused significant concern within the community and that police were committed to providing verified information as the investigation continues. The force also clarified that the suspect is Sudanese, correcting earlier reports that had identified him as Somali.
The attack quickly sparked anti-immigration demonstrations across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland.
According to Reuters and ITV News, some protests descended into violence, with rioters setting fire to vehicles, including a public bus, and attacking properties.
Firefighters were deployed to several locations as homes and cars were damaged by fires.
Authorities declared a critical incident as unrest intensified. Public transport services in some areas were temporarily suspended due to safety concerns, while police officers were deployed to contain disturbances and protect affected communities.
Political leaders across the United Kingdom condemned both the knife attack and the subsequent violence. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the stabbing as “sickening” and thanked members of the public who intervened during the attack.
Northern Ireland leaders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, urged calm and warned against retaliatory violence.The Guardian reported that immigrant communities in Belfast, particularly members of the Sudanese community, have expressed fears for their safety following the outbreak of unrest.
Some businesses reportedly closed early and residents were advised to remain indoors amid concerns that protests could target foreign nationals and migrant-owned properties.Videos shared online appeared to show crowds chanting anti-immigration slogans and gathering in several locations.
Social media posts also circulated claims that properties linked to migrant accommodation had been set on fire. While fires and property damage have been confirmed by multiple news organisations, authorities have not publicly verified all claims circulating online.
Police have appealed to the public not to spread misinformation and have urged people to allow the criminal investigation to proceed through the courts. As of Wednesday morning, tensions remained high in Belfast, with security forces maintaining a heightened presence in affected areas while investigations into both the stabbing and the ensuing disorder continue.
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