Anti-immigration protests and violence have erupted in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, following a brutal stabbing. Within hours, the stabbing incident in a quiet residential area led to roadblocks, arson and vandalism, with racial tensions running high.
The incident began at around 10:30pm on Monday night in the Kinnaird Avenue area of North Belfast. A video circulating on social media shows a 40-year-old man being attacked by a man with a sharp weapon. The attacker repeatedly hit him on the head and neck. Later, some local residents and police officers stepped forward and stopped the attack.
The seriously injured man was admitted to the hospital. Police said he suffered serious injuries to his eyes, face and back. A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man shortly after the incident. He was later charged with attempted murder, carrying a sharp weapon, and attempted murder.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the suspect is a Sudanese national who entered the UK as an asylum seeker in 2023. He was later granted leave to remain in the country. Police said there was no evidence of terrorism in the incident.
Anti-immigration protesters set fire to a building and a car in front of it in Belfast. 9 June 2026, Sandy RowPhoto: AFP
But tensions quickly escalated after video of the incident went viral on social media. Anti-immigration groups and right-wing activists called for protests. Hundreds of people took to the streets in various parts of Belfast on Tuesday evening, defying calls for calm from police and political leaders.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control. Masked protesters set vehicles on fire, blocked roads and attacked homes believed to be migrant housing. Anti-immigration groups set fire to several homes and cars in east and north Belfast. A bus was also set alight.
Residents have been evacuated from several houses damaged by the fire, with some families forced to seek shelter in safer locations.
The violent anti-immigration protests were not limited to Belfast. Protests and unrest were reported in several other areas of Northern Ireland. Police have deployed additional members. The public has been urged to refrain from spreading rumors and inflammatory propaganda. At the same time, it has been advised not to listen to rumors.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly condemned the rioters, saying it was “absolutely unacceptable” to force innocent people out of their homes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also called the stabbing “disgusting” and condemned the subsequent violence.
Local residents stand in front of a car and house set on fire by anti-immigration protesters. 9 June 2026, BelfastPhoto: AFP
Police have arrested and charged one person in connection with the stabbing. However, police have not said whether anyone else has been arrested in connection with the rioting, arson and vandalism.
However, police said that investigations into the violence are ongoing. CCTV footage and videos are being reviewed to identify those involved in the incidents.
