The suspect in the Belfast stabbing attack which has sparked anti-immigration protests across the city has been named as 30-year-old Hadi Alodid as a court was told the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, has lost his left eye.
Alodid, who is a Sudanese national, has now been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for four weeks after being charged with the attempted stabbing murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Mr Ogilvie’s family released a statement this morning praising local people who bravely stepped in during the attack and condemning overnight unrest and those using the tragedy to cause division.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for calm after masked protesters set fire to homes, cars and a bus in north Belfast following Alodid’s arrest. Footage shows flames ripping through the city’s streets with thick smoke billowing into the sky as police clash with crowds amid the chaos with non-white residents apparently targeted.
The Prime Minister said: “It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it. Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.”
Stephen Ogilvie, who is in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital, receiving treatment for serious eye, face and back wounds.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday12:20 BST
A court sketch shows suspect Hadi Alodid who appeared via videolink at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie.
The 30-year-old accused, did not speak during his court appearance and did not respond to questions. He was also charged with threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife and was remanded in custody.
Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Hadi Alodid appearing via videolink at Belfast Magistrates Court(Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)
In response to migration concerns after it was revealed that the suspect crossed into the UK from Dublin, Northern Ireland minister Hilary Benn said there was “close cooperation” between UK and Irish border authorities.
He added: “In this particular case an individual has been accused of committing a very very serious offence. The fault lies with the person who has been charged and not with others who quite legitimately are able to come to countries across Europe and claim asylum – and if their case is justified we have a long and honourable tradition in Britain of providing shelter to those who are fleeing the most appalling circumstances.
“In some cases not that dissimilar to the appalling circumstances we saw on the streets of Northern Ireland last night.
Northern Ireland Minister Hilary Benn spoke at a news conference(Image: SKY)
Northern Ireland’s Education Authority said schools may need to close due to threats of further violence.
In a statement, the authority said it was “aware of unverified social media claims about further planned protests today” adding that school leaders needed to take individual decisions about closing facilities across Northern Ireland.
Joe SmithToday11:56 BST
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the violence last night was an “insult” to the victim and an “act of self-harm” to Northern Ireland.
He appealed for people to take control of their children and acquaintances and stop them from going out tonight. “Please, no more,” he said.
The Chief Constable said PSNI officers would be out “in very high numbers” this afternoon and this evening and a further 200 officers from other forces would be on the streets of Belfast tomorrow to help keep a lid on the disorder.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher spaking at a press conference
Northern Ireland minister Hilary Benn has called last night’s violence utterly shameful’
Speaking at a news conference he said: “Nothing can justify the violence that we saw on the streets of Northern Ireland last night with masked thugs trying to burn and intimidate people out of their homes.
“Those organising these protests claim they’re doing so to protect communities. In fact, they’re doing the very opposite. They are damaging communities and hurting people who are innocent and who have been terrified by what they have been through last night.
“It is utterly shameful and needs to stop.”
Joe SmithToday11:33 BST
A Belfast judge has warned that anyone who plans to take part in further disorder in Northern Ireland should “be prepared to go to prison” and said the courts “won’t tolerate” any attacks on emergency services.
Speaking at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, he noted that there is a call on social media for men aged over 18 to close streets, wear dark clothes and to be prepared to fight and be arrested.
He said that anyone involved in attacks on the community and members of the community can “also expect to go to prison, and that message should be sent out loud and clear”.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court(Image: Justin Kernoghan)
Hadi Alodid was refused bail after a detective told Belfast Magistrates’ Court there was a fear it would lead to “significant public disorder” if he was released due to “strong public feeling” about the incident.
Police said they “strongly” opposed bail on the grounds that Alodid is charged with an “extremely serious offence” that has “garnered serious media attention”. The detective said if further offences were committed they would be “serious and unpredictable in nature”, and said the applicant is from Sudan and has links outside of the jurisdiction.
She also told the court he may fear for his own safety or fear a possible long custodial sentence. The defendant made no reply.
District judge Stephen Keown said the risks were “far too great” and would be “unmanageable by any bail conditions”, and refused bail due to the risk of reoffending, risk of harm to the public, risk of public disorder and risk of flight.
He is next due to appear in court in four weeks’ time on July 8.
Joe SmithToday11:22 BST
A number of Belfast schools have taken the decision to close this morning with pupils set to be sent home after details of further planned protests were circulated on social media this morning. A number of schools have been closed with pupils to be sent home at 11:30am. The Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) informed parents that pupils will be sent home in “light of recent circumstances” beyond their control.
In a message to parents, RBAI said: “In light of recent circumstances beyond our control, the decision has been taken to send all pupils home at 11.30am, with the exception of those completing external examinations.
“External examinations this afternoon are currently going ahead as planned, but if there is any change to this, it will be communicated to the families of the pupils concerned. If any pupil is unable to get home at 11.30am, senior staff will be in school to ensure they are not left unsupervised.”
Joe SmithToday11:09 BST
The family of Stephen Ogilvie have issued a statement. It reads: “We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
“We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.
“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident. We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward. We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.
“We are asking the media and the public to please give us some space. We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened. If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police. Thank you for respecting our privacy.”
Vehicles set on fire by protesters on Lendrick Street in Belfast(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Hadi Alodid, the 30-year-old accused of attempted murder over the attack, did not speak during his court appearance and did not respond to questions.
He was denied bail and has been remanded in custody ahead of the next court hearing which has been set for July 8.
Joe SmithToday10:36 BST
Police forces across the UK are monitoring intelligence on protests and have plans in place to allow them to mobilise officers if needed should further disorder break out in the wake of the Belfast stabbing and the murder of Henry Nowak.
A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs Council said: “Police are closely monitoring intelligence and information on protest activity to ensure a swift and decisive response to any reports of public disorder.
“We have well-established plans in place to enable us to mobilise officers at a regional and national level if required.”
Police officers patrol Belfast streets yesterday(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hadi Alodid has been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for four weeks after being charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Joe SmithToday10:26 BST
The victim of the Belfast stabbing lost his left eye in the attack, Belfast Magistrates’ Court has been told.
Joe SmithToday10:25 BST
Hadi Alodid, 30, is appearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie in Belfast, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife.
Joe SmithToday10:08 BST
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable.
“There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere.
“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it. Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.
“I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to convey my thanks to them and the frontline emergency services for their bravery in keeping people safe. I’ve also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to discuss the ongoing situation.
“Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now. We must let the police get on with their work.”
Joe SmithToday10:04 BST
A two-month-old baby had to be rescued by police as thugs set fires and smashed properties in scenes of terrifying violence last night.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police had to rescue many families as flames and violence overtook Belfast city streets amid chants of “foreigners out” as mobs targeted families in their homes.
“Last night we rescued so many families,” Chief Constable Boutcher told the BBC this morning. “Taking families – a baby as young as two months – out of their address to safety, taking them to police stations.”
He said that families from across communities were caught up last night’s “vile behaviour”.
Scenes of devastation on Lendrick Street in east Belfast this morning(Image: PA Wire)
Police will arrest and prosecute those who took part in violent disorder, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said.
Asked if politicians could have done more to stop the protests, Mr Boutcher said: “I think the response after the attack that we saw from all the politicians has been really positive.”
Issuing a warning to those participating in the disorder, he added: “Last night there were so many local community leaders, MLAs, on the streets trying their very best to dissuade these young people from doing what they’re doing – who, by the way, we will go and arrest and prosecute, and their lives will be changed forever.
“They won’t be able to do the jobs they want to do, their futures will be damaged in ways that they just don’t understand.”
Asked for his message to parents, he told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster: “Your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, your nephews, people that you care about in this community, young lives – please know where they are today, this evening, tomorrow.
“Make sure that they understand that this is not the way forward.”
Joe SmithToday09:00 BST
The PSNI has said that the victim, in his 40s, remained in a serious condition in hospital on Tuesday, being treated for severe injuries to his eye, face and back.
Joe SmithToday08:59 BST
Burned-out houses, cars and a bus mark the aftermath of last night’s violence in Belfast, which saw groups of masked men kicking in doors and setting fires to shouts of “foreigners out”.
Properties in east Belfast were attacked by rampaging mobs last night(Image: PA Wire)
Burned out Gilder bus on Newtownards Road in east Belfast(Image: PA Wire)
Cars and properties were attacked by violent mobs in east Belfast(Image: PA Wire)
Burned out Gilder bus on Newtownards Road(Image: PA Wire)
The victim of Monday night’s horrific knife attack has been pictured for the first time.
Stephen Ogilvie, who is in his 40s, was left with serious eye, face and back injuries following the attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of the city at 10.30pm on Monday night.
A kitchen knife was recovered at scene, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said, with nobody else currently being sought in connection with the incident.
Mr Ogilvie was described as in a critical condition in hospital yesterday. His alleged attacker is due to appear in court this morning charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
Stephen Ogilvie was the victim of a brutal knife attack
A young family with four children were forced to flee their home amid last night’s violence, which saw masked men kick in doors and set fires while shouting “foreigners out”.
Independent Belfast councillor Paul Doherty said the children were “traumatised” after the family, which he was now helping support, were forced out of their home by the mob.
Speaking to the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme, Doherty said: “homes were attacked, businesses targeted, livelihoods lost, and many innocent families terrorised last night because of their colour of skin or where they come from”.
Joe SmithToday07:58 BST
Labour Party chair Anna Turley has said it was “horrendous” to see families forced out their homes in Belfast. She appealed for calm, urging those angry about Monday’s attack to let the justice system work its course.
Ms Turley told Sky News: “It was horrendous to see that. It must be really horrifying and really frightening for all those families living in that community. nobody wants to see that. I would appeal, like many others have, for calm on the streets of Belfast and around the country as well. Those people are innocent, they shouldn’t be getting caught up.
“We’ve seen children and families having to leave their homes, and no one wants to see that. We know the situation that happened the night before last was absolutely horrific, absolutely horrendous. And there’s no place for that on the streets of the United Kingdom. But we have to let the police and the justice system take its course now.
“And nobody should be stoking this up or bringing violence to the streets anywhere in the United Kingdom.” The Labour chair continued: “No one could see that video footage and not be outraged and horrified by what’s happened. But there is one person responsible for that and that is the perpetrator who has been arrested, who is up before court today.
“So I really want to commend the police, the justice system, for how swiftly they acted.”
Joe SmithToday07:55 BST
Video has captured fires blazing on Belfast’s Lendrick Street as the angry mob gathered in ‘anti-migrant protests’ following Monday night’s horriffic knife attack.
Joe SmithToday07:51 BST
Fire and fury swept through the streets of Belfast last night in what local MP Claire Hanna called “a race-based pogrom” after anti-migrant protestors began setting fire to cars, buses and buildings.
A Glider bus, set on fire by protesters, on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Youths gather in front of a burning barricade on Duncairn Gardens(Image: Getty Images)
Vehicles set on fire by protesters on Lendrick Street in Belfast(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Pictures appear to show young people holding a burning wheelie bin up against a front door of a house(Image: Sky News)
- Calls for protests grew from anti-migrant groups over the course of yesterday as politicians and police called for calm, following the horrific knife attack on Monday night in Belfast where the suspect was Sudanese.
- Photos show crowds of black-clad rioters gathered in Belfast with multiple reports of arson, as homes, cars and a bus were set alight by the mob. All public transport has been paused in the city as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service says it attended 62 incidents overnight.
- People were forced to flee their homes as houses were torched near the Crumlin Road in the north of the city. The mob was said to have been targeting non-white residents with a pastor at the scene telling the BBC that people were being put out of houses “because they’re black”.
- Early in the evening a bus was set ablaze on Newtownards Road in east Belfast with homes nearby also catching fire – one family had to be rescued by emergency services.
- Across the city cars, a police vehicle and a Turkish barbers were also set alight in a night of disorder in Belfast that Belfast MP Claire Hanna branded “a race-based pogrom” after “negative online actors” incited the violence.
- This morning residents are waking up to devastation in Belfast. The suspect in Monday night’s knife attack is due to appear in court this morning charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
Vehicles set on fire by protesters on Lendrick Street in Belfast(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Yesterday politicians, police and local leaders called for calm. PSNI chief constable, Jon Boutcher, pleaded with the public to refrain from violence. “Please, please let the PSNI let the police do their job unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns,” he said during a press conference at Stormont.
Instead overnight violence erupted, with homes, cars and a bus torched as masked mobs rampaged through the streets of Belfast.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the “outright thuggery”.
“Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice,” she said.
Firefighters attend a house which caught fire on Ligoniel Road, Belfast, as disorder flared during an anti-immigration demonstration(Image: PA/PA Wire)
The suspect is set to appear in court.
The 30-year-old accused, who is Sudanese, has been charged with attempted murder over the stabbing attack, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill.
He will appear in the Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
In Northern Ireland, the authorities do not release the name of accused persons before they appear in court.
Tannur AndersToday04:25 BST
Police and political leaders in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm after ‘sporadic pockets of disorder’ erupted across Belfast.
A senior officer said police in the region are currently dealing with “sporadic pockets of disorder” in a number of locations.
Northern Ireland’s first minister has condemned the action on social media. Michelle O’Neill says that “groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice”.
“This has nothing to do with community. This is outright thuggery,” she adds.
Masked youths block a road with burning debris in north Belfast, Northern Ireland(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A family were left ‘really, really scared’ as protestors attempted to get into their house and threw fireworks, a resident who helped them told Sky News.
The woman, who did not want to give her name, said people were trying to kick a man, his wife and their teenage daughter out of their house in the Shankill Road area.
“I could just see them all going into the house,” she said. “I don’t know how I did it but I stopped every one of them from going into the bedroom.”
The woman added taht the family seemed “really, really scared”.
She continued: “I just said, come out with me, I’ll help you, just come with me… I walked out with them and I could see people looking at me.”
She then shouted at demonstrators that the family were not involved in Monday night’s attack.
Peter HennessyToday03:18 BST
Police in Northern Ireland have ruled out a terror-related motivate for the attack at this point but detectives have stressed that the investigation is at a very early stage and they are keeping an open mind.