Families from ethnic minority communities have been forced to leave their homes after several nights of racist and anti-immigrant violence across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland.
Masked groups attacked houses, businesses and vehicles, while rioters threw masonry, fireworks and flares at police. Cars and buildings were set on fire, roads were blocked and public transport services were disrupted.
The disorder began after a knife attack in north Belfast on the evening of Monday, June 8. A graphic video of the incident was recorded by a passer-by and quickly spread across social media.
Stephen Ogilvie, 44, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. A 30-year-old Sudanese man, Hadi Alodid, was arrested at the scene and later charged with attempted murder and other offences.
The allegations against him have not been proved, and the criminal case remains before the courts.
The suspect alone is accused of the knife attack. His nationality does not connect other Sudanese people, refugees or immigrants to the alleged offence.
Within hours of the footage appearing online, posts began circulating with times and locations for anti-immigration protests. Some posts focused heavily on the suspect’s background, while others gave instructions for roadblocks and urged businesses to close.
The first major demonstrations took place on Tuesday. Some gatherings remained peaceful, but violence broke out elsewhere as hundreds of people, including masked men, moved through parts of Belfast.
Homes believed to be occupied by immigrants were damaged or set on fire. Cars, buses and bins were burned, while businesses linked to minority communities were also targeted.
The violence continued into Wednesday in Belfast, Glengormley, Portadown and other areas. Protests or disturbances were also reported in places including Coleraine and Derry.
In Glengormley, police said officers came under sustained attack from people throwing masonry and flares. A bin lorry, a car and a vacant building were set on fire, while a hijacked van was pushed towards police lines.
Officers used water cannon and plastic bullets during the most serious disorder. Reinforcements were brought in from Great Britain to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
At least 12 police officers were injured during the unrest. Police initially reported 16 arrests, with the total later rising as officers continued to identify suspects. Some people have since been charged, while further arrests are expected as investigators review CCTV, mobile-phone recordings and social-media material.
By Thursday night, police reported a calmer situation, although protests continued in several locations and the wider security operation remained in place.
The attacks have created fear among immigrants, refugees and other ethnic minority residents.
Some families were taken from their homes after buildings were attacked or threatened. Community workers said people had become afraid to go to work, visit shops or allow their children outside.
Residents reported masked groups stopping people in the street, following workers and recording vehicle registration numbers. A nurse was reportedly chased by masked men while travelling through the city.
For some Sudanese residents, the disorder recalled the violence they had fled before coming to Northern Ireland. Others said they were considering leaving Belfast because they no longer felt protected.
Community volunteers responded by cooking meals, delivering food and offering temporary shelter to people who were frightened to leave their homes.
Local organisations said the attacks were carried out by a small minority and did not represent the wider Belfast community. Residents from different backgrounds also offered support to displaced families.
Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, described the violence as a “race-based pogrom”.
Speaking in Parliament, she said children had been lifted from their beds as homes burned and that masked men had moved through streets threatening people because of their skin colour or the sound of their voices.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn condemned the disorder as “racist thuggery”. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also called for the violence to stop.