Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, descended into chaos Tuesday night as anti-immigration protests turned violent following a shocking stabbing attack allegedly carried out by a Sudanese refugee.
Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets, with some setting vehicles and buildings on fire, blocking major roads, and clashing with security forces.
AFP journalists at the scene reported seeing masked protesters gathering at several locations across the city as tensions escalated.
A bus and multiple cars were torched, while residents were forced to flee a burning apartment building near the city centre.
“We started hearing sirens everywhere,” said Eemran, an engineer originally from India who has lived in Belfast for just over a year.
“They were throwing petrol bombs. Then the building caught fire. Smoke started entering our apartments and firefighters told us to evacuate immediately.”
Another resident, Camila, a Chilean woman who moved to Belfast only a month ago, described the scenes as frightening.
“It’s scary. I understand people are angry, but there are peaceful ways to express concerns,” she said.
The unrest followed the circulation of a graphic video showing a brutal knife attack in Belfast.
Police say a 30-year-old Sudanese refugee has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed weapon, and making threats to kill after allegedly attacking a man in his 40s.
The footage, which quickly spread online, shows the suspect repeatedly slashing the victim before bystanders intervened and restrained him until police arrived.
Authorities said the victim suffered serious injuries to his face, eyes, and back and remains under medical care.
The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly condemned the violence.
“Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice,” she said.
She urged residents to remain calm and warned that racism and intimidation have no place in society.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also described the stabbing as “horrific” and “sickening,” while calling for restraint.
The leaders of Northern Ireland’s five major political parties issued a joint statement condemning both the stabbing and the subsequent violence.
The UK Home Office confirmed that the suspect arrived in Britain in 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year, allowing him to remain in the country until 2028.
Northern Ireland police chief Jon Boutcher said the suspect had no known criminal history and was not listed on any national security database.
The incident has reignited Britain’s heated debate over immigration, an issue that has increasingly dominated political discourse and contributed to the rise of parties such as Reform UK.
Meanwhile, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk added to the controversy by reposting comments from anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, calling for continued public protests.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public not to share the graphic attack video, warning that it could further inflame tensions and retraumatize those affected.
The violence marks one of the most serious outbreaks of civil unrest seen in Belfast in recent years, highlighting growing divisions over immigration and public safety across the United Kingdom.
