The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who was injured in the horrific knife attack in Belfast on Monday, have given a major update on his condition as unrest continues to unfold across the city.
His family said through police that they have witnessed a lot of false information circulating on social media.
They added: “It is now forcing us to clarify that our loved one is in fact in a stable condition, and we are solely focused on his recovery at this time,” they said in a statement distributed by the PSNI.
View 3 ImagesStephen Ogilvie was injured on Monday night’s knife attack
The family added: “We are also appealing to 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 via social media.”
The family also said the sharing of false information on social media is “deeply distressing” and should stop.
They urged the violence to stop, saying they had been left “feeling disgusted” by the recent disorder.
View 3 ImagesA fire has been started by protesters(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Stephen Ogilvie, 44, was said to have lost an eye as a result of the attack on Monday evening in north Belfast.
Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged over the attack.