Stephen Ogilvy, a man in his 40s, lost his left eye and suffered severe damage to his right eye after a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night – a stabbing that has since ignited a wave of arson and anti-immigration rioting across the city.
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national who entered the UK via the Common Travel Area in February 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year, appeared via video link at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder. The court heard that Ogilvy also sustained deep cuts to his head and face, and long lacerations on his back. A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene on Kinnaird Avenue.
“Belfast stabbing victim lost left eye; suspect charged as riots with arson and anti-immigrant chants erupt across city.”
Alodid, who lives in Duncairn Avenue, made no reply to the charges through an Arabic interpreter and refused legal representation. District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail, warning of “significant public disorder” and saying the risks were “far too great” to be managed by any conditions. Alodid was remanded into custody to appear again on 8 July.
The attack itself drew swift intervention from members of the public – one wielding a hurling stick – whom police described as “heroic”. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said they “saved the life” of the victim. Police said there was no indication the stabbing was terror-related, and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed the suspect “was not known” to security databases.
Within hours, violent disorder swept across Belfast. Masked men were heard shouting “foreigners out” as they kicked in doors and set fires to homes, cars and a Gilder bus on Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Images show burnt-out vehicles on Lendrick Street and damaged houses on Glenside Street. Police confirmed that residents were targeted based on their skin colour.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “sickening” and urged calm, describing the ensuing disorder as “totally unjustified”. Judge Keown warned that anyone planning further violence should “be prepared to go to prison”. Ogilvy’s family appealed for privacy, asking that the attack not be used to “divide people or fuel hostility”.
Three arrests were also made in Glasgow city centre on Tuesday after members of the public and police officers were attacked during disorder there, though no connection to the Belfast events has been stated.
As clean-up crews began removing the charred remains of vehicles and debris from Belfast’s streets, police continue to appeal for calm. “Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out,” ACC Henderson said, urging everyone to “avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.”