Anti‑immigrant violence swept across Belfast on Tuesday night, as masked groups attacked homes, clashed with police and set vehicles alight following a stabbing incident that had already heightened tensions in the city.
Hundreds of protesters, many with their faces covered, gathered in several areas and carried out coordinated attacks, targeting properties and residents.
Witness footage showed homes burning while police officers helped families escape, and rioters setting fire to cars and a bus.
In some districts, groups reportedly forced entry into houses and vandalised property, with local figures saying that Black residents were among those specifically targeted. Police deployed armoured vehicles in response as unrest spread.
The violence followed a knife attack late on Monday in north Belfast, in which a man in his 40s sustained serious injuries, including wounds to the head and neck.
The suspect, a 30‑year‑old Sudanese national, has been charged with attempted murder as well as weapons-related offences and is due to appear in court.
Authorities said members of the public intervened during the attack and helped restrain the suspect before police arrived.
Political leaders strongly condemned the unrest. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the attacks as “disgusting cowardice,” while Justice Minister Naomi Long warned that public anger had been exploited by “bad faith actors” to incite violence against minority communities.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the assault "horrific" and "sickening" while thanking members of the public who intervened in the attack.
Opposition figures described the attacks as racially motivated and warned of long-term damage to community relations.
The unrest comes amid broader tensions around immigration across the UK, with protests and political debate intensifying in recent months.
Smaller demonstrations were also reported elsewhere, including outside parliament in London, as officials urged restraint and warned against further escalation while investigations continue.
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