The family of Stephen Ogilvie, the man critically injured in a knife attack in Belfast, has appealed for calm and rejected the violent unrest that erupted across the city in the aftermath of the incident.
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“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward,” the family said in a statement shared via Phillip Brett, the Democratic Unionist MLA for Belfast North, on Wednesday, as authorities grappled with a second day of tensions following the attack.
Ogilvie remains in hospital after suffering devastating injuries, including the loss of his left eye, damage to his right eye, and wounds to his neck and back, according to details presented in court.
Suspect remanded in custody
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, making threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife.
Police previously said Alodid entered the UK in 2023 and was later granted refugee status. He was remanded in custody for four weeks after the court refused bail. The case has been adjourned until July 8.
During the hearing, Judge Steven Keown expressed sympathy for the victim and praised members of the public and emergency responders who came to his aid.
He also issued a warning to those involved in the unrest, saying anyone engaging in violence could expect prison sentences.
Violent late-night protests rock Belfast
The court appearance came hours after violent protests swept parts of Belfast on Tuesday night. Rioters set fire to houses, vehicles and a bus, while roads were blocked in several areas.
According to reports, hundreds of masked men gathered in one neighbourhood chanting anti-immigrant slogans, including “foreigners out”. Police said additional officers would be deployed across the city on Wednesday, while public transport services were forced to close early due to security concerns.
The unrest followed the circulation of footage of Monday night's knife attack on social media, which rapidly fuelled tensions.
Starmer condemns anti-immigrant violence
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the disorder, describing the scenes in Belfast as "shocking and completely unacceptable".
"It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it," Starmer said on Wednesday. He vowed that those responsible for attacking homes, setting vehicles ablaze and clashing with police would face the "full force of the law".
