UK`s Belfast hit by anti-immigration riots after stabbing attack

Anti-immigration riots broke out in Belfast, Northern Ireland, after a Sudanese asylum seeker was charged with attempted murder over a stabbing that seriously injured a local man, prompting UK authorities to deploy additional police officers.

A 30-year-old Sudanese national, identified as Hadi Aladid, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after being charged with attempted murder following a stabbing incident in north Belfast on Monday.

The victim, 40-year-old Stephen Ogilvie, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye, according to court documents. Police said officers found the suspect at the scene with the weapon and stressed that there was no evidence linking the attack to terrorism.

The stabbing sparked unrest after videos of the incident circulated widely on social media. Anti-immigration groups allegedly used online platforms to organize protests that escalated into violent riots targeting migrant communities.

Masked rioters set fire to homes and vehicles in several parts of Belfast, while a public transport Glider bus was also torched. Disturbances were reported in other areas of Northern Ireland, including Ballymena, Londonderry and Antrim.

Several migrant families, including households with young children, were forced to flee their homes as police evacuated residents to safer locations.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the violence as "thuggery," while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the attacks as "completely unacceptable."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said violence directed at communities based on race or background had no place in society and would not be tolerated.

Authorities have deployed an additional 200 police officers to help restore order, while Police Chief Jon Boutcher warned that those inciting unrest online or participating in the violence would face legal action.

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Analysts say misinformation and inflammatory content on social media have fueled anti-immigration sentiment, deepening fears among migrant communities as authorities work to contain the unrest.