‘Overnight unrest is unwelcome’: Belfast knife attack victim’s family urge calm after violent protests

The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who was seriously injured in a knife attack in Belfast, have called for calm and refused to accept the violent unrest that broke out across the city following the incident.Belfast North DUP MP Phillip Brett shared a statement with his family on Wednesday, saying “we want to make it clear that overnight unrest is not welcome and peaceful protest is the only way forward”. At the time, authorities were grappling with tensions in the day after the attack.Ogilvie suffered serious injuries, including the loss of his left eye, damage to his right eye and injuries to his neck and back, and remains in hospital, according to details presented in court.

Suspect remanded in custody

Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.Police previously said Aloyd 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 was adjourned to July 8.During the hearing, Judge Steven Keown expressed sympathy for the victim and praised members of the public and emergency workers who came to his aid.He also issued a warning to those involved in the riots, saying anyone involved in the violence could be jailed.

Violent late-night protests rock Belfast

The court appearance came hours after violent protests broke out in parts of Belfast on Tuesday night. Rioters set fire to houses, vehicles and a bus, and roads were blocked in several areas.Hundreds of masked men reportedly gathered in one neighborhood and chanted anti-immigration slogans, including “foreigners get out.” Police said more officers would be deployed across the city on Wednesday, while public transport services were forced to close early due to safety concerns.Video of Monday night’s knife attack circulated on social media, quickly raising tensions and sparking riots.

Starmer condemns anti-immigration violence

british prime minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the unrest, Describing the scenes in Belfast as “appalling and completely unacceptable”.Starmer said on Wednesday: “It was clear last night that people were targeted because of their background and I will not tolerate that.” He vowed that those who attack homes, set fire to vehicles and clash with police will face “the full force of the law”.The Prime Minister’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over anti-immigration sentiment and violence targeting minority communities.

Family thanks rescuers, refuses to split

In a statement, Ogilvie’s family thanked bystanders who intervened during the attack, saying their actions may have saved his life.They said: “We would like to express our deep gratitude to the local people who bravely intervened during the attack. Your quick action absolutely saved his life and we will never forget what you did for him.”Ogilvie’s family also thanked emergency services and hospital staff for caring for Ogilvie, while urging anyone with information about the attack to co-operate with police.They refused to use the incident to fuel hostility towards immigrants and stressed that many immigrants make a valuable contribution to British society, particularly in healthcare and hospitality.“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostilities,” Ogilvie’s family said, calling for unity as Ogilvie continues to recover.