Anti-immigrant protests in Northern Ireland entered a second night on Wednesday as police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds following disorder linked to a recent knife attack that left a man seriously injured.
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Violence erupted in Newtownabbey, north of Belfast, where protesters threw objects at police vehicles. Officers responded with water cannons as they sought to maintain public order.
Homes and Vehicles Set Alight
The latest disturbances followed a night of unrest across Belfast and other areas, during which masked rioters set fire to homes, vehicles and barricades. Several families were forced to leave their properties as violence spread through affected neighborhoods.
Political leaders said ethnic minority residents were among those targeted. Local pastor Jack McKee told the BBC that members of his congregation had suffered attacks on their homes, with windows smashed and nearby properties burned.
Authorities increased security measures ahead of further demonstrations. Some schools in Belfast closed early, while public transport services were scheduled to end earlier than usual. Police deployed an additional 200 officers across the region.
The disorder left two police officers injured on Tuesday night and heightened fears among minority communities. Residents reported concerns about safety, including incidents of racist abuse directed at children.
Knife Attack Sparks Tensions
The protests followed the charging of 30-year-old Sudanese national Hadi Alodid with attempted murder after a knife attack in Belfast that was filmed and widely shared online.
The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his left eye, according to evidence presented in court. He also sustained injuries to his other eye, back and face. Alodid appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threats to kill and possession of a knife. He was denied bail.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrific."
Ogilvie's family appealed for calm, urging people not to use the incident to promote division or hostility. They said peaceful protest was the only acceptable response and emphasized the positive contribution migrants make to British society.
Online Activity Under Scrutiny
Police warned that social media activity had contributed to rising tensions. Officers described the circulation of apparent lists containing residential addresses as "completely unacceptable" and said those sharing personal information intended to endanger others could face criminal investigation.
Anti-immigration activists and right-wing social media accounts amplified calls for demonstrations following the attack. Among those commenting online was Elon Musk, who reposted calls for protests.
Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long accused online figures of exploiting public anger to advance anti-immigration narratives. First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the violence, describing it as racism and intimidation.
Wider Concerns Across Britain
Smaller demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Glasgow, London and Bangor. Police in Glasgow said two officers and three members of the public were injured, with some victims allegedly targeted because of their ethnicity.
Police said Alodid entered Ireland from France in February 2023, sought asylum and was granted permission to remain in the UK until 2028. Authorities said he was legally residing in Northern Ireland and that there is currently no evidence linking the knife attack to terrorism.
The unrest comes amid broader concerns about racial tensions and anti-immigration rhetoric across Britain, with officials warning that online platforms are increasingly being used to spread hatred and encourage violence.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026