Violent Protests Erupt in Northern Ireland Following Stabbing Incident

A stabbing incident in Belfast involving a Sudanese man has ignited violent anti-immigration protests across Northern Ireland. Following the attack, which left the victim seriously injured, around 200 protesters gathered, leading to clashes with police and the burning of buses. The victim's family has called for peaceful demonstrations, while authorities urge calm amidst rising tensions. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses. Protests have also spread to Southampton, where demonstrators voiced their opposition to immigration policies. The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 22:40 IST

Protests Erupt in Belfast

Belfast: Northern Ireland witnessed intense anti-immigration protests on Tuesday (June 9) after a stabbing incident involving a man of Sudanese descent. The attack, which left a man in his 40s injured, sparked outrage and demonstrations in the capital. Prominent figures, including far-right activist Tommy Robinson and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, encouraged public protests in light of the incident. The video of the stabbing circulated widely, fueling the anger of far-right groups.

Approximately 200 individuals gathered near Freedom Corner on Newtownards Road, where tensions escalated, leading to protesters setting buses on fire. Many participants were young, some donning face coverings and balaclavas. Police established roadblocks to manage the situation.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that a 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the stabbing. The suspect, an asylum seeker from Sudan, faces additional charges for possessing a weapon and making threats.

Family of Victim Calls for Peace: The family of the victim, identified as Stephen Ogilvy, expressed their desire for peaceful protests, stating, "We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward." Ogilvy is currently hospitalized, having suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his left eye.

Police Urge Calm: Authorities in Northern Ireland have called for calm amidst the unrest. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher emphasized the need for the public to refrain from allowing their emotions to escalate into further disorder. He stated, "I understand that last night's incident will leave people feeling enraged with emotions, from fear to anger, but please, please let the PSNI do their job, unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as "sickening" after the footage of the stabbing emerged online. Authorities are not currently treating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Suspect Appears in Court: The suspect, identified as Hadi Alodid, appeared in a Belfast court on Wednesday, facing charges of attempted murder related to the stabbing that severely injured Ogilvy and incited anti-immigrant protests across Northern Ireland. He is also charged with possessing a knife and threatening a medical professional during treatment for his injuries.

Protests Spread Beyond Belfast: The protests in Belfast were part of a broader wave of demonstrations, with gatherings also occurring outside a hotel in Southampton housing asylum seekers. Protesters there displayed Union Flags and St George's flags, carrying signs with messages like "Belfast-Southampton Stands With You" and "Illegal Migration Is Destroying Our Civilisation." No casualties have been reported from these protests so far.