Man appears in court charged over bus fire during Belfast riots

30 Jun 2026 • 7:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Man appears in court charged over bus fire during Belfast riots

A man has appeared in court charged with riot, attempted murder and two counts of arson endangering life following recent disorder in Belfast.

Christopher McLaughlin, 29, was arrested on Monday in connection with an incident in which a Glider bus was set on fire on June 9 and an arson attack on properties at McMaster Street.

Trouble broke out in parts of Northern Ireland following a knife attack in the city earlier in June.

A Glider bus, on the Newtownards Road after it was set on fire (Liam McBurney/PA) (PA Wire)

Homes and vehicles were attacked, with victims targeted based on their race.

McLaughlin appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he said he understood the charges he was facing.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland officer told the court they were able to connect him to those charges.

The court was told he had no fixed address.

There was no application filed for bail and legal aid was granted.

The case will be heard before the court again on July 28, when McLaughlin is not required to appear.

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