Serious riots erupted in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following protests over a recent stabbing attack. Reports indicate that right-wing activists called for demonstrations after a video of the attack went viral. The unrest escalated overnight into Wednesday, with masked individuals burning vehicles and houses and blocking streets throughout and around Belfast.
The initial friction began after police charged a 30-year-old man from Sudan with attempted murder. The attack itself occurred Monday evening in North Belfast, leaving one victim critically injured. The suspect is scheduled to appear in Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The Northern Ireland Fire Service reported having a “hectic evening” on Tuesday, responding to 62 incidents between 7 PM and midnight. Following the disturbances on Tuesday, Northern Ireland Minister Hilary Benn stated that there was “no justification for this type of destruction and hooliganism.”
