On Monday evening, a man sustained severe injuries during a knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue. A 30-year-old Sudanese national with UK residency was arrested, sparking severe anti-immigration protests across Belfast that led to burning vehicles and property destruction.

The suspect, Hadi Alodid, was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threatening an NHS radiographer, and possessing a knife. He appeared in court, refused legal representation, and was denied bail after the court heard the victim lost his left eye.

Riots escalated as masked crowds torched a public bus and targeted immigrants’ homes, forcing evacuations. The Prime Minister condemned the extreme violence, while bystander Maitiu Mág Tighearnán was hailed a hero for bravely confronting the attacker with a hurling stick.

The volatile riots created dangerous conditions for journalists covering the unrest. An Express reporter was forced to flee and hide in a bush after being suspiciously followed by a van while attempting to interview masked protesters on the streets.

Following the night of immense unrest and destruction across the city, the family of the victim released a public statement. They spoke out about the horrific attack as the community grappled with the devastating aftermath of both the stabbing and the subsequent riots.