Riots have broken out in Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, following what police described as a “brutal” knife attack that left a man fighting for life.
The alleged offender has been identified as an asylum seeker, prompting anti-immigration demonstrations that have turned violent in parts of Belfast and across the UK.
Northern Irish and UK officials have condemned the unrest and called for calm.
Here’s what you need to know.
What happened?
On Monday evening (local time), a man in his 40s sustained severe injuries to his eyes, face and back during what police described as a “brutal” knife attack in Belfast.
A 30-year-old man has since been charged with attempted murder, possessing a bladed article in a public place, and making threats to kill.
Police initially identified the accused as Somali before stating he is a Sudanese asylum seeker.
The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries.
Riots
The UK Home Office said the accused arrived in Britain in 2023, was granted refugee status that year, and has permission to remain in the country until 2028.
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Following the attack, anti-immigration demonstrations erupted in Belfast and quickly turned violent.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson shared footage of the attack on X and promoted the protests. Cars, houses, a bus and a police vehicle were set alight during the unrest, while similar demonstrations were also held elsewhere in the UK.
Official response
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill urged people to remain calm and not allow others to “incite hatred” or "incite fear".
Police also called on the public to “act responsibly” and allow the criminal justice process to take its course.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “sickening” and said he had “no tolerance” for the violence that followed.
London attack
Some rioters have drawn parallels between Monday’s attack and the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak in Southampton, England, in December.
Last week, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison for Nowak’s murder. The case sparked anti-immigration demonstrations in Southampton and elsewhere in the UK.
Following Monday’s attack in Belfast, Southampton was again among the locations where protests took place.
