Three arrested after Belfast violence as police warn of further detentions
Three people have been arrested following violent disorder in Belfast, with police warning that further arrests are likely as investigations continue.
The unrest erupted in north Belfast after a serious assault on Monday night on Kinnaird Street, leaving a man in his 40s, Stephen Ogilvy, with life-changing injuries.
Police said Ogilvy suffered severe injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his face and back. A court hearing on Wednesday was told that he lost his left eye as a result of the attack.
A Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, was arrested at the scene and appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody. Police have declared a critical incident and said inquiries into the motive remain ongoing.
Family appeals for unity
In a public statement, Ogilvy’s family called for calm and rejected attempts to use the incident to fuel division.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country,” the family said. “We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people.”
Police said two officers were injured during the disorder and warned that anyone involved in violence would be identified and prosecuted.
Public transport services across Northern Ireland were suspended from 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday amid concerns over further demonstrations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack and subsequent unrest as “sickening,” expressing support for the victim and praising emergency responders.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim,” Starmer said, adding that there would be “absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence on our streets.”
Social media platforms under scrutiny
The violence has also reignited debate over the role of social media in spreading division and unrest.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused online platforms and their algorithms of amplifying extremism and hatred. He specifically criticized social media owners, including Elon Musk, and called for tougher action against platforms that promote divisive content.
Starmer responded by pledging action against those seeking to inflame tensions, while emphasizing the need for restraint.
“We will crack down on anyone who is fueling this division,” he said, adding that political leaders and police in Northern Ireland were united in calling for calm.
The prime minister also stressed that politicians should not exploit the situation for political gain, saying: “Nobody who’s a politician should be whipping up division and hatred.”
Police remain on high alert as tensions persist in parts of Belfast and investigations into both the assault and subsequent disorder continue.
Source:AA
