Masked Groups Torch Bus and Cars in Belfast After Knife Attack Charge

Masked groups set a bus and multiple cars on fire in Belfast last night after more than 200 men and youths broke away from a larger gathering in Cloughfern. Firefighters evacuated residents from homes on one street when flames spread from the burning vehicles to nearby properties. Roads were blocked in several parts of the city as additional cars were set alight later in the evening.

Fire crews answered 256 calls and attended 62 incidents across Northern Ireland, with the majority occurring in Belfast. In east Belfast, masked individuals approached residents holding cameras and a GB News crew, directing them to stop recording and leave the area. Some residents with doorbell cameras were reportedly told to turn the devices off before the disorder began.

Sir Keir Starmer described the events as shocking and completely unacceptable. He stated there is no justification for the violence and disorder that threatened communities, nor for those who encouraged it online or elsewhere. Starmer said it is clear people were targeted because of their background and that he will not tolerate it.

"Those responsible will feel the full force of the law," Starmer said in a statement. He added that he had spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to thank officers and frontline emergency services for their work. Starmer also contacted the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to discuss the situation and urged calm so police could continue their duties.

Hadi Alodid was charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie and remanded in custody for four weeks at Belfast Magistrates' Court. Ogilvie, an NHS radiographer in his 40s, was attacked with a knife in Belfast on Monday night and lost his left eye as a result. A Ukrainian resident who had moved to Belfast after fleeing the war said she is relocating again following the violence.