BELFAST — Violent unrest erupted in parts of Belfast following a stabbing attack in which a Sudanese asylum seeker was charged with attempted murder, police said.
The incident occurred late Monday night in north Belfast, when a man in his 40s, identified as Stephen Ogilvie, was attacked with a knife. He sustained serious injuries, including the loss of his left eye, and was hospitalized.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, who had been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom in 2023, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of a knife in a public place and making threats to kill. He appeared in court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody.
Anti-immigration protests broke out on Tuesday evening, turning violent in several areas of the city. Masked individuals set vehicles, including a bus, and homes on fire, with reports of attacks on properties believed to house immigrants. Police deployed resources to contain the disorder, and U.K. leaders called for calm.
Northern Ireland's Police Service Chief Constable Jon Boutcher addressed the situation, noting the suspect had arrived in the U.K. via the Common Travel Area and claimed asylum in Belfast.
Ogilvie's family issued a statement appealing for calm. They expressed shock at the attack but said unrest was not welcome and urged peaceful protest.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and local politicians condemned the violence, describing it as actions by "masked thugs" targeting ethnic minorities.
The unrest followed the rapid spread online of video footage of the stabbing incident. Far-right figures had called for protests in response.
Police said the original attack was not being treated as terrorism. Details of the motive remain unclear.
As of June 11, 2026, tensions in Belfast continued, with authorities monitoring the situation after a second night of protests in some areas. Further updates on the court proceedings and public order are expected in the coming days.
