Belfast stabbing latest: Protesters set bus on fire as man charged with attempted murder after knife attack

WorldPolitics
10 Jun 2026 • 4:36 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Belfast stabbing latest: Protesters set bus on fire as man charged with attempted murder after knife attack

Protesters have set fire to a bus in Belfast as disorder flared at an anti-immigration demonstration organised in response to Monday night’s stabbing attack in the city.

Masked males set commercial bins alight and pushed them into the Glider bus on the Newtownards Road in the east of the city on Tuesday evening. A large crowd had gathered in the area for an anti-immigration protest.

Three cars were also on fire.

Earlier, a man arrested on suspicion of the Belfast knife attack was charged with attempted murder.

The 30-year-old accused, who is Sudanese, is also charged with possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Police and political leaders have appealed for calm.

Northern Ireland police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I understand that last night’s [incident] will leave people feeling enraged with emotions, from fear to anger, but please, please let the PSNI do their job, unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder.”

Key points

  • Man under arrest charged with attempted murder
  • Police chief appeals to people 'not to allow harm to anyone else'
  • Street protests planned as 'fears ignored', says local MP
  • Prime minister condemns 'sickening' and 'abhorrent' attack
  • Passers-by who pulled attacker off victim hailed 'best of humanity'

Middle Eastern supermarket 'on fire' - report

22:16 , James Reynolds

Images from the streets of Belfast show large groups congregating in the road and smoke billowing out of a small business.

Locals tells Sky News the affected building is a Middle Eastern supermarket.

Northern Ireland's justice minister Naomi Long says protesters are 'weaponising the genuine hurt'

22:04 , James Reynolds

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long has said “hate cannot be allowed” to win, as disorder broke out in a number of areas following a knife attack in Belfast on Monday.

Ms Long said: “Earlier today, I stood beside the First Minister, deputy First Minister and the PSNI Chief Constable and we appealed for calm.

“Sadly, there are those who have chosen to ignore those pleas; they are intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect.

Justice Minister Naomi Long (L) pictured earlier today (PA)

“They are weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes.

“There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage – it is simply disingenuous to claim this is being carried out for the good of Northern Ireland.

“I would appeal once again to communities not to allow themselves to be used and abused in this manner. Disorder on the streets, such as we are seeing tonight, is diverting valuable police resources away from those who genuinely need them. These are not the actions of people who genuinely care about their communities.

“While I recognise and understand the concerns following on from the attack in north Belfast, hate cannot be allowed to win.”

Firefighters tackle fire in row of homes

22:02 , James Reynolds

Footage shared on Sky News shows the moment flames engulfed at least one home in a row of terraced houses in Belfast tonight.

Before firefighters arrived, members of the public could be seen shouting through letter boxes to warn residents over the blaze.

Firefighters then arrived and began tackling the fire with with water hoses. A group of people can be seen standing a safe distance away.

A senior officer has said police are dealing with “sporadic pockets of disorder” following a knife attack in Belfast on Monday night.

Homes ablaze in Belfast on Tuesday evening (Sky News)

Petrol bombs thrown at police in Newtownabbey

22:00 , James Reynolds

Petrol bombs have been thrown at police cars at Cloughfern in Newtownabbey, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Images from the scene show a large group of masked people looking on at a police Land Rover, with the bonnet covered in flame.

Fire crews hold back from crowd

21:45 , Jane Dalton

Firefighters in Newtownards Road in Belfast are holding back for now, letting wheelie bin fires burn instead of approaching the crowd of masked youngsters.

The police are also staying back in an attempt to avoid clashes.

Three cars alight in Belfast

21:39 , Jane Dalton

Three cars in Belfast were also alight, after a bus was burnt out.

Two cars parked in a private drive and one parked in the road nearby were burning as darkness fell.

 (Sky News)

Masked men 'kick doors' and 'say they're getting the foreigners out' in east Belfast

21:32 , James Reynolds

Around 100 masked men on McMaster Street, in lower Newtownards Rd, east Belfast, made their way down the street, kicking in doors and breaking windows, the BBC reports.

The broadcaster says they said they were “getting the foreigners out”.

The Guardian reported earlier that Sudanese business owners on Sandy Row closed their stores with steel shutters and said they planned to stay at home on Tuesday night.

Masked men kick in doors and and break windows

21:23 , Jane Dalton

Crowds gathered at McMaster Street in Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast.

About 100 masked men made their way down the street and kicked in doors and broke windows, the BBC reports.

They said they were "getting the foreigners out".

The protests mounting across Northern Ireland

21:14 , James Reynolds

More than 100 people have gathered in Newtownards Road, on the outskirts of Belfast city centre.

There, a Glider bus has been set on fire, with authorities currently responding to put out the blaze. Sky News reports they were forced to end their coverage after being heckled by protesters.

Bins have also been set on fire in the middle of the road.

Dozens of men have also gathered in Whiteabbey, north of Belfast and were throwing stones at a house, according to the BBC.

There were dozens more people gathering at Freedom Corner in Belfast. Protesters have separately stopped traffic on the M2 near Yorkgate.

A widely shared post on Facebook and WhatsApp has called for protests on Tuesday evening, and in response police have promised an increased presence across the region.

'Sporadic pockets' of disorder erupt across Northern Ireland

21:09 , Jane Dalton

A senior officer has said police are dealing with “sporadic pockets of disorder” in a number of locations in Northern Ireland.

Demonstrations are taking place following the knife attack in Belfast on Monday night.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire.

“We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.”

 (PA)

Minister warns protesters violence will distract from their message

21:04 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s education minister Paul Givan has said any violence at anti-immigration demonstrations will distract from protesters’ message.

Mr Givan attended a protest in Lisburn on Tuesday evening, which followed Monday night’s knife attack in Belfast.

Hundreds of people marched through the city, with police stopping traffic on a number of roads. Some of those in the march wore face coverings.

Mr Givan said: “There is a genuine shock about what happened last night. I think it has sent shockwaves across the community.

“What we have witnessed here in Lisburn has been a peaceful protest because people have felt that their voices aren’t being listened to, particularly when it comes to uncontrolled immigration within the United Kingdom and on the island of Ireland.”

He added: “It is important that people do conduct themselves in a peaceful manner to make sure that the key issues here around immigration can be heard and we are not distracted by any form of violence.

“That will only distract. People should express their views in a peaceful manner.”

In pictures: Bus set alight as disorder mounts

20:58 , Jane Dalton

 (PA) (AP) (PA/PA Wire) (PA)

Bus firm condemns arson

20:54 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland's public transport operator Translink, which suspended services, said: “We utterly condemn this attack on our service.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and all Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services (operating in and out of Belfast) have been suspended.

“We are liaising closely with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance.”

In pictures: Bus set alight

20:31 , Jane Dalton

 (PA) (PA) (Sky News)

Belfast crowd set fire to bus

20:19 , Jane Dalton

Protesters in Belfast have set a bus alight and pushed a burning wheelie bin into it.

Groups of people - many in hoodies - were milling around in the street.

Crowd halts Belfast traffic

19:58 , Jane Dalton

Several cars have been blocked from getting onto the M2 in Belfast near Yorkgate, the BBC reports, because people in dark clothing are standing in front of them, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Police turn crowd back

19:51 , Jane Dalton

In Southampton, dozens of police officers were deployed to block protesters moving along Portswood Road as they walked from the Highfield House Hotel.

The demonstrators walked in the road, chanting and waving banners, blocking traffic as they went, after counter-protesters left the area.

To stop the crowd moving further, a line of police officers blocked their path and the group stopped and began chanting: “I can’t breathe”.

More officers then joined their colleagues, before the group turned and walked back along the road.

Pictured: Protesters gather in Belfast

19:45 , Jane Dalton

 (AP)

Crowds gather in Belfast

19:30 , Jane Dalton

Crowds are gathering at sites in Belfast following the knife attack.

A number of people are on the Newtownards Road in the east of the city.

A crowd is also gathering close to the Crumlin Road roundabout.

There had been calls on social media for protests to take place across Northern Ireland following the attack on Monday night.

MPs call for calm as Musk and Tommy Robinson urge protesters on

19:25 , Jane Dalton

Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson said the worst possible response to violence “would be further violence or disorder”.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice said: “Calm is essential following the brutal attack in Belfast last night.”

But far-right activist Tommy Robinson and tech billionaire Elon Musk amplified calls for people to take to the streets in response to the Belfast attack.

Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted lists of locations where protests may take place, saying “the whole of the United Kingdom is hitting the streets tonight” following “another invader attack on our people”.

Musk posted: “Only by protesting repeatedly and loudly will there be any change!!”

Man also charged with possessing blade and making threats to kill

19:18 , Jane Dalton

A man charged with attempted murder after the Belfast knife attack is also charged with possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill, police say.

The 30-year-old accused, who is Sudanese, is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Man under arrest charged with attempted murder

19:01 , Jane Dalton

Breaking news: A 30 year-old man arrested in connection with the Belfast stabbing has been charged with attempted murder and will appear in court in the city on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland says.

Protest begins outside asylum hotel

18:54 , Jane Dalton

Dozens of protesters have gathered outside a hotel used to house asylum-seekers in Southampton.

The demonstrators held Union and St George flags as they gathered outside Highfield House Hotel.

Organisers of the “flash protest” said it was in response to the “disgusting video we are witnessing”, in what is understood to be a reference to the stabbing in Belfast.

Banners read “no racism, just patriotism”, “enough is enough” and “end two tier policing, end two tier justice”.

They chanted “secure our borders, mass deportation” and “stop the boats, send them home”.

A smaller group of counter-demonstrators holding Stand Up To Racism placards stood along the pavement across the road.

 (PA)

'Never seen anything like it' - resident says on attack

18:04 , Alex Ross

One person who alerted police to the attack has told the BBC she first heard screaming outside.

She said a delivery driver then handed her his phone to speak to a 999 operator.

She said she was “standing in the street shaking” during the call, adding “never seen anything like it”.

The victim of the attack, aged in his 40s, continues to receive treatment in hospital for serious eye, face and back wounds.

Police vehicles sit near a cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast (Reuters)

No indication attack was terror related, say police

17:54 , Alex Ross

Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no indication the attack was terror related and pleaded for calm ahead of protests expected later.

Commenting on the immigration status of the suspect, Mr Henderson said the PSNI understood he had leave to remain in the UK.

He said it was understood the man had entered the UK across the Irish border, having travelled from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. He was living close to the scene of the incident, Mr Henderson said.

The PSNI has launched a “critical incident” in response to the attack which was captured on video and appears to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was lying on the ground.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson (Liam McBurney/PA) (PA Wire)

Justice minister warns of 'bad-faith actors' stirring trouble

17:26 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister said there are “bad faith actors who want to stir trouble” following the knife attack.

Naomi Long said: “The only people who will be harmed if there is unrest on our streets are innocent people.

“The only thing that will be achieved is further victims.

“And so I’m asking for people to be calm, to be rational at a time when it is easy to be irrational, because you’re hurt, you’re upset, and you’re angry and because there are bad faith actors who want to stir trouble.

“It is not in the interests of anyone in Northern Ireland for us to see our community torn apart in these instances.

“And I understand that many people from our ethnic minority and foreign national community will be fearful today.”

Home Office confirms suspect is Sudanese with right to stay until 2028

17:23 , Jane Dalton

The Home Office has confirmed the suspect in the stabbing is a Sudanese national with leave to remain in the UK until 2028.

Following the stabbing on Monday night, which left a man with significant injuries to his eyes, the Home Office said the suspect had entered the UK in 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year.

He claims to have entered the UK via the Common Travel Area, they added.

Call for bravery of passers-by who stepped in to be recognised

17:16 , Jane Dalton

The “extraordinary courage” of people who intervened in the knife attack has prompted calls for their bravery to be recognised.

Labour MP Chris Bloore called for those who came to the victim’s aid to be recognised and “given the honour and reward they deserve for representing the best of humanity”.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he hoped that in due time their bravery would be recognised.

'Not a time for protest' says policing board chair

17:08 , James Reynolds

Brendan Mullan, from Northern Ireland's Policing Board, thanks the members of the public who helped to stop the attack and urges calm to allow the police to work.

“We understand the community concern, but this is a time for calm heads to allow the police to do their job, it is not a time for protest,” he says.

“Bringing disruption on to the streets and into communities will serve no purpose. It will only serve to divert policing resources from people in real need of police help. As a community we must stand united against hatred and against violence.”

We do not have open borders immigration, says first minister

17:04 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s First Minister insisted Northern Ireland was not operating an “open borders” immigration system.

“I don’t know any country that has open borders,” said Michelle O’Neill.

“I believe in an immigration system that is fair and managed and enforceable and compassionate and human rights-compliant, but that is not the debate for today.

“The debate today is about our society, about our inclusive society, our welcoming society.

“Our conversation today is about our thoughts are very much with that gentleman who finds himself as a victim of that violent and horrific attack last night.

“Our thoughts today are about creating calm in our society.”

 (PA)

Watch: Belfast attack suspect was not known to PSNI, police say

17:01 , Jane Dalton

We must not demonise any particular community, says justice minister

17:00 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister said the Common Travel Area must not be “exploited for ill purposes”.

Naomi Long said: “I have raised the issue with the Home Office in the past around trafficking, both human trafficking and other trafficking across the border.

“I’ve raised it also with Jim O’Callaghan [home affairs minister], though it is more for the Home Office to do so.

“But I recognise that there are challenges when you can travel freely, and what we don’t want on either side of the border is to see the Common Travel Area being exploited for ill purposes.

“We have been clear about that. The important thing, however, now is not to demonise any particular community, any particular group of people.”

 (PA)

We won't tolerate hatred or division, says first minister

16:47 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill sent a message of reassurance to the migrant community in Northern Ireland following the stabbing.

“I say, as First Minister, to all of our migrant community that we have no tolerance for sectarianism, for hatred, for division, and to all those people out there that are stoking up tensions, particularly in that social media space, who have no care or interest in the people here, but are happy to raise tensions, I say they do not represent us,” she said.

“This is a society that is welcoming, that is inclusive. We are good people. And I say to everybody I don’t want to see any person living in fear, and we need to say no racism, no to hatred, no to sectarianism that is out there in our society.

“What happened last night was horrific. People need to separate those things.”

 (PA)

Police chief appeals to people 'not to allow harm to anyone else'

16:42 , Jane Dalton

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned people in Northern Ireland against being influenced “from afar through social media” in the wake of the knife attack.

He told reporters at Stormont: “There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe. There is considerable posting on social media. I appeal for everyone to be mindful of what they view and share online.

“Sharing footage risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s family and loved ones, and may impact on this investigation. We are aware, of course, of protest activity being discussed across Northern Ireland this evening, and we continue to monitor this very carefully.

“And I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling enraged with emotions from fear to anger, but please, please let the PSNI, let the police do their job unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder.”

He added: “Do not let people who know nothing about Northern Ireland impact on the behaviours of our people in Northern Ireland from afar through social media.

“Remember the actions of those members of the public, they truly define our society in Northern Ireland, they saved a man’s life last night.

“Do not let the actions of that man impact on any further harm to anybody else in Northern Ireland.”

Minister appeals to angry communities not to be 'used and abused' for protests

16:21 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long has appealed to would-be protesters not to allow themselves to be used or “weaponised”.

Paying tribute to the passers-by who saved the vicim and the first responders, she said: “There will, of course, be those who wish to take the pain, the suffering, the fear, the genuine concern in those communities and weaponise it for other purposes.

“I would appeal to communities not to allow themselves to be used and abused in that way, to remain calm, to allow the police to do their work in terms of their investigation, and to allow the justice system to hold the individual responsible to account for what was a shockingly barbaric attack on our streets. “

Attacker must face full force of law, says first minister

16:14 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said urged people to allow the Police Service space and the time that they require to carry out a full and thorough investigation.

“The person who is responsible for this horrible crime must face justice and must face the full force of the law,” she said.

In pictures: Police search for clues

16:00 , Jane Dalton

 (AFP/Getty)EDITORS NOTE: PIC BLURRED TO PROTECT IDENTITY A police cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers were called to Kinnaird Avenue around 10.30pm on Monday and the injured man was taken to hospital. Another man was arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody, police confirmed. Picture date: Tuesday June 9, 2026. (PA) (Getty)

Attack sent shockwaves through community, says police chief

15:43 , Jane Dalton

The attack has sent shockwaves through communities, Police Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said.

“I want to reassure all of our communities, your safety is our priority. We're currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.

“That is why today the public can expect to see an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to help support, reassure, and keep all of our community safe.”

Don't attack police - it's not worth it, Lowe warns would-be protesters

15:36 , Jane Dalton

MP Rupert Lowe, of Restore Britain, has appealed to people planning protests tonight to do so peacefully and not to attack police.

“The state will show you no mercy. The dangerous ‘far-right’ will be blamed, and your life will be ruined forever. It will be that brutal. However angry you are feeling now, it is not worth it,” he wrote on social media.

Passer-by arrived at scene by chance

15:24 , Jane Dalton

A passer-by who stepped in to stop the attack said he intervened to protect the victim.

Mág Tighearnán wrote online that he arrived at the scene “by chance”.

He said he “got out to protect a young lad” and that the police had been called before his arrival, The Times reports.

Reform says it would ban visas for Sudanese people

15:18 , Jane Dalton

Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf said his party had already announced a total ban on visas for Sudanese people.

He blamed the knife attack on Tory and Labour immigration policies.

Party deputy leader Richard Tice said: “Calm is essential following the brutal attack in Belfast last night.”

Partner of hero passer-by says she 'couldn't be prouder'

15:11 , Jane Dalton

The partner of a man filmed using a hurley stick to deter the attacker spoke of her pride that he had “hopefully saved a man’s life”.

Aoife O’Reilly told The Times that Maitiu Mág Tighearnán was “doing OK and is being very, very, very humble”.

She said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Matt. This is my partner and the father of my child who stood in and hopefully saved a man’s life last night.”

Northern Ireland leaders 'recognise distress and fear' in community

15:05 , Jane Dalton

The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement saying they were united in their condemnation of the horrific attack.

Sinn Féin vice-president and Stormont First Minister Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Jon Burrows and SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: “There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality.

“Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery.

“Our thoughts are also with those eyewitnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened.

“We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community.

“We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved.”

Have there been failings around our borders, Badenoch asks

15:00 , Jane Dalton

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “absolutely horrified” by the attack.

Asked by journalists about the stabbing, she said she had seen “grainy images” of the incident.

“I’m absolutely horrified. It is a horrific incident,” she said.

“I haven’t heard anything about who the attacker might have been, but I think a lot of people will start wondering yet again: is this someone who should not have been in our country?

“Have there been failings around our borders?

“I would urge the police to bring the facts out as quickly as possible so that we can get some clarity.”

Don't share video, police urge social media users

14:41 , Jane Dalton

Police chiefs have appealed to people not to share footage of the attack on social media.

“The public can expect to see an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to help support, reassure, and keep all of our community safe,” said Police Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson.

“We understand that there's considerable posting on social media, and people have real questions and real concerns, but we ask the public to be very mindful of what they share online.

“By sharing footage, this could risk causing further trauma to the injured man's loved ones, and may impact upon the ongoing investigation.

“So, I would urge caution and ask that people do not share the videos and images that maybe they may have seen circulating. “

Police rule out terror attack motive

14:36 , Jane Dalton

Police have ruled out a terrorist motivation for the attack, they say.

“However, our minds remain open to the various possibilities as to what the motivation is behind this,” said Police Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson.

“We will, of course, as we move ahead, be working with all of those who might be able to give us further information.”

Ryan Henderson (Sky News)

Police chief appeals for calm despite planned protests

14:28 , Jane Dalton

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force was aware of calls for protests across Northern Ireland and appealed for calm.

“I understand that last night's attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions, from fear to anger,” he said.

“Our officers have a role to facilitate and accommodate peaceful protest.

“Everyone in Northern Ireland will, however, sadly remember disorder, which took place over the last two years. No one needs to see a repeat of this.

“This only causes damage to local communities, and unfortunately, young people often get caught up in that disorder.

“So I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities.”

Victim suffered injuries to eyes

14:24 , Jane Dalton

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the victim had significant injuries to his eyes.

In a press conference, he said what is believed to be a kitchen knife was recovered at the scene.

He said there was nothing to suggest it was a terrorist incident.

Victim in serious condition in hospital

14:19 , Jane Dalton

The victim, in his 40s, is in a serious condition in hospital.

The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast was cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place.

'Something extraordinary': Benn hails public who stepped in

14:06 , Jane Dalton

Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn said of the knife attack: “Amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.

“When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, members of the public did not walk on by.

“Instead, a number of them stepped forward and, at immense risk to their own safety, they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.

“To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.”

He also appealed for calm and for the criminal process to take place.

 (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

Protests planned as 'fears ignored'

13:58 , Jane Dalton

Protests are being planned in Northern Ireland following a knife attack in north Belfast, a DUP MP told the Commons.

Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, said: “Tensions are inflamed and at this moment I am aware of planned protests throughout my constituency, Strangford.

“I am also aware that many of those who intend to attend do so not because they are frightened for their family alone, but instead feel their fears are ignored when they make a good and grand statement.”

He pressed for “changes for safety reasons as a matter of urgency”.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said every citizen had the right to protest peacefully but added “we have seen in the past that there are those, provoked by others, who have sought to use that opportunity to then promote violence and disorder”.

He continued: “If we want to support the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland), the last thing people should be doing is stretching their resources across Northern Ireland to deal with protests that are not going to help anyone, and are not going to assist in the furtherance of this investigation so the perpetrator can be brought to face justice.”

Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor) (PA Media)

Starmer: 'I won't tolerate abhorrent scenes like this'

13:55 , Jane Dalton

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.

“I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.”

Hero bystanders who intervened praised as ‘best of humanity’

13:36 , Jane Dalton

Image from: Belfast stabbing latest: Protesters set bus on fire as man charged with attempted murder after knife attack

Hero bystanders who intervened in Belfast knife attack praised as ‘best of humanity’