Police Fire Water Cannons as Belfast Disorder Continues After Knife Attack

Police in Northern Ireland deployed water cannons and riot officers on Wednesday night as violent disorder continued for a second consecutive day following a brutal knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured.

The unrest erupted after the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie in north Belfast earlier this week. Authorities have charged 30-year-old Sudanese national Hadi Alodid with attempted murder, possession of a knife in a public place, and making threats to kill. The victim suffered severe injuries, including the loss of an eye, and remains hospitalized.

On Wednesday evening, groups of masked protesters gathered in areas north of Belfast, including Newtownabbey, where they hurled bricks, bottles, petrol bombs, and other projectiles at police officers. In response, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed water cannons and riot units to restore order. Several fires were also reported, with vehicles and property damaged during the disturbances.

Authorities said the violence appeared to target immigrant communities, with some homes attacked and families forced to flee. Officials reported that dozens of people were displaced during the unrest, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders and community organizations.

The family of the stabbing victim appealed for calm, stressing that the attack should not be used to justify hatred or violence against any community. In a public statement, they condemned the disorder and expressed appreciation for the contribution migrants make to society.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “totally unjustified” and warned that those responsible for the violence would face the full force of the law. Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister and police leaders also denounced what they described as racially motivated attacks and attempts to exploit the stabbing for political purposes.

Police have increased their presence across affected areas amid fears of further disturbances, while community leaders continue to urge residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could deepen tensions.