Masked protesters torched homes and vehicles in east Belfast on Wednesday night, sending flames tearing through residential streets as violent disorder erupted after a stabbing in the city. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky while police clashed with crowds, trying to contain the chaos.
The violence was triggered by footage circulating online of a man being stabbed in the head and back. Hundreds gathered, setting vehicles alight, blocking roads, and forcing a large police deployment. Earlier in the day, a 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he is expected to be named. The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in serious condition in hospital, receiving treatment for serious eye, face and back wounds.
“Masked protesters set fire to homes in east Belfast after a stabbing sparked violent anti-immigration demonstrations.”
Northern Ireland’s justice minister, Naomi Long, condemned the arson and intimidation. “Masked men burning families out of their homes is disgusting,” she said in a statement. Long accused the protesters of “weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes.” She added: “They are intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage – it is simply disingenuous to claim this is being carried out for the good of Northern Ireland.”
Long warned that the disorder was diverting valuable police resources from those in genuine need. “These are not the actions of people who genuinely care about their communities,” she said. “While I recognise and understand the concerns following on from the attack in north Belfast, hate cannot be allowed to win.”
Fire crews raced to multiple residential streets as flames engulfed a bus and construction vehicles. Residents described cars being set alight, which then caught fire to their homes. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) did not immediately confirm arrests beyond the attempted murder charge. The unrest marked the latest outbreak of anti-immigration violence in the region, with authorities struggling to restore order as masked protesters continued to roam the streets late into the night.