Police deploy water cannon as unrest continues after stabbing linked to Sudanese suspect

Police in Belfast deployed water cannon and public order measures on Wednesday night as a second wave of anti-immigration unrest swept through parts of Northern Ireland’s capital.

The disturbances followed a knife attack that had fuelled tensions across the city, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers.

Authorities said dozens of protesters gathered during the latest unrest, with some throwing rocks, bottles and other projectiles at police officers. Images from the scene showed fires burning in several areas as police attempted to restore order.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed officers used water cannon in an effort to disperse crowds and prevent further disorder.

While serious, Wednesday’s clashes were less intense than the violence witnessed the previous evening.

On Tuesday night, hundreds of masked individuals took part in disturbances that saw homes attacked, vehicles set alight and families forced to flee affected areas. Emergency services responded to multiple incidents as unrest spread through neighbourhoods.

Police reportedly helped one family escape from a burning property while several cars and a bus were destroyed during the violence.

The latest developments have prompted growing concern from political leaders, community representatives and the family of the stabbing victim, who have all appealed for calm.

Stephen Ogilvie, who was seriously injured in the knife attack, remains in hospital. According to his family, he lost an eye and suffered severe injuries to his neck and face during the incident. They said his condition is now stable.

In a public statement, the family strongly condemned the violence that followed the attack and urged people not to use the incident as a reason to target immigrants or create divisions within society.

They stressed that many migrants make valuable contributions to the country and said the ongoing disorder was neither welcome nor justified.

The family’s appeal came as legal proceedings began against the man accused of carrying out the attack.

A 30-year-old Sudanese national, identified in court as Hadi Alodid, appeared before a judge facing several charges, including attempted murder.

The court remanded him in custody and adjourned the case until July 8.

The attack attracted widespread attention after videos circulated online throughout Tuesday. Footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media platforms, generating strong reactions and prompting calls for demonstrations.

As emotions intensified, protests escalated into violent disorder in some areas of Belfast, creating significant challenges for police and emergency services.

Authorities have continued to monitor online activity and public gatherings as they work to prevent further unrest.

The disturbances have also reignited debate around immigration, community relations and public safety in Northern Ireland. However, officials have repeatedly urged people not to draw wider conclusions from an ongoing criminal case.

Police have emphasised that individuals should allow the judicial process to proceed without interference and have warned against actions that threaten public safety or target communities.

The deployment of water cannon underlined the seriousness of the situation, although officers reported that conditions were more manageable than during the previous night of violence.

Despite the reduced scale of the unrest, authorities remain on high alert amid concerns that further demonstrations could take place.

The events have attracted attention across the United Kingdom, with political leaders condemning the violence and calling for restraint.

For residents affected by the disorder, the focus remains on restoring calm and preventing additional damage to communities already shaken by recent events.

As investigations continue into both the stabbing and the subsequent unrest, police face the challenge of maintaining order while addressing rising tensions on the streets.

With a criminal case now underway, public appeals for calm are growing louder, and law enforcement is maintaining a visible presence. Belfast enters another uncertain period as authorities seek to prevent further violence and restore stability.