Bus set on fire and projectiles thrown at police as disorder erupts in Belfast

It comes following a 'brutal' knife attack last night

The unrest comes in response to a knife attack last night which left a man seriously injured.

This led to a 30-year-old Sudanese man being charged with attempted murder this evening (9 June) following the incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday.

Police say the man has also been charged with possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill

He will appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Videos circulating online showed several people, including one person wielding a hurling stick, confronting the attacker until the police arrived.

Unrest on the streets of Belfast

Unrest broke out on the streets of Belfast in the wake of the attack with a bus being set on fire and projectiles thrown at police.

Meanwhile smoke has been seen rising into the sky over the city with multiple bins being set on fire.

It comes as police called for calm in the city following the incident.

Northern Ireland's Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "I understand that last night's attempted murder will ‌leave people ​feeling a range of emotions, from fear to anger.

"I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to ​this."

While many people had taken to the streets to protest peacefully, as reported by Sky News.

The outlet said: "There is certainly a large group of people in the centre of that group who are wearing balaclavas, who are covering their faces.

"But it is peaceful. And that is the way that the politicians and, of course, the police here in Belfast tonight will want that to stay."

However, parts of the protest have since turned violent, with multiple fires being started and projectiles thrown at police.

Police update on the victim

The victim, a man aged in his 40s, is in hospital with his condition described as serious.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson opened the news conference by describing the incident as a “brutal attack” and said the force’s “first thoughts are with the victim and his family.”

"Detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this very difficult time," he adds.

Henderson goes on to say that police recovered "what is believed to be a kitchen knife" at the scene.

"The victim was taken to the hospital with significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wound injuries to his back and face."

Henderson continued by stating the police are liaising with counter-terror police, and there is "no information" to suggest this is a terrorist-related incident.

He told a news conference this afternoon: "We're ruling out a terrorist motivation at this stage."

He explained: "Today we've been liaising with senior counter-terrorism partners. At this stage, we have no information to suggest that this was a terrorist related incident.

"However, I must stress, we are still at the early stages of our investigation. This brutal attack has sent shockwaves through our communities, and I want to reassure all of our communities. Your safety is our priority."

One of the main questions doing the rounds online is whether the attacker was residing in the country legally, as well as how they entered.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson says it's his understanding that "the individual was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland," per Sky News.

"I'm aware of speculation in relation to the suspect's immigration status. This morning, I've been talking to colleagues from the Home Office whose role it is to manage the immigration status of individuals.

"I can confirm my understanding is that the individual was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland," Henderson said.

He went on to add that the Home Office will be "confirming the exact details" in the coming days.

It is understood that the suspect made his way from Sudan to Paris, before flying to Dublin and then claiming asylum in Northern Ireland in 2023

Police were then asked whether there was any altercation or reports of disturbances before the incident, but Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson says he "does not want to speculate".

Henderson does go on to confirm that police believe the suspect lived close by to where the incident took place.

When asked whether the suspect was known to the victim, he says that it will "clearly be an important line of enquiry", but he again does not want to speculate. 

Police are aware of pictures and videos circulating on social media, as well as people online calling for protests after the attack.

Addressing them, ACC Henderson stresses that the force understands "people will want to have their voice heard".

However, he insists this needs to happen in a "peaceful" and calm way, per Sky News.

Keir Starmer's statement

PM Keir Starmer issued a statement early today on X, writing: "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."