Riots flare in Northern Ireland after knife attack

According to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, 12 police officers were injured and 16 people were arrested during the latest disturbances.

Masked individuals armed with bricks, paving stones and petrol bombs confronted police near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey. A vehicle belonging to the Department for Infrastructure was set ablaze, while attempts were also made to set fire to a derelict building.

The unrest followed Monday's knife attack in north Belfast, for which 30-year-old Hadi Alodid has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill and possession of a knife. The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, remains in hospital in stable condition.

In a statement released through police, the victim's family condemned the violence.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward,” they said. “We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”

Police also warned that individuals sharing online lists identifying homes allegedly occupied by immigrants could be committing criminal offences and “putting lives at risk.”

Meanwhile, Belfast City Council issued a statement condemning the disorder.

“Belfast stands against violence, racism and hate. There is no place in Belfast for these,” the council said.

“We recognise the impact that Monday’s incident in north Belfast and last night’s disorder in parts of the city is having on residents, communities, businesses and visitors – but these incidents do not represent our city.”

The council added that “disorder on our streets helps no-one” and urged residents to unite in support of affected communities.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that two suspects remained at large after allegedly robbing a Chinese woman of approximately 8 million yen (about US$50,000) on a street near Ikebukuro Station, according to police.