Violent protests have erupted in Belfast after a Sudanese asylum seeker was charged with attempting to behead a 40-year-old man in a knife attack. Homes and vehicles were set on fire as anger swept through the city.
Attack and Arrest
On Wednesday, detectives charged a 30-year-old Sudanese national with attempted murder following what police described as a "shocking and barbaric attack." The suspect, who had been granted leave to remain in the UK, allegedly attacked the victim while shouting "Allahu Akbar." Disturbing footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the suspect slicing at the victim's neck as he pinned him to the ground. Bystanders intervened, with one using a hurling stick to strike the attacker, who then fled.
The victim suffered serious injuries to his face, neck, and back and was rushed to hospital. Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed the suspect had traveled from Sudan to Paris, then to Dublin, before arriving in Belfast in February 2023. He was granted leave to remain in September of that year.
Riots and Destruction
Shortly after the attack, riots broke out in Belfast. Emergency services responded to multiple scenes where homes and vehicles were set alight. On Lendrick Street, residential properties were set on fire, forcing evacuations. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze as parked cars on driveways and streets also burned. Earlier, a Glider bus was deliberately set on fire on the Newtownards Road, leading Translink to suspend all Metro and Glider services. Masked individuals in dark clothing and face coverings moved through residential areas, throwing flares and creating smoke-filled streets.
Political Reactions
Anti-immigration groups and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage highlighted the attacker's status, with some vowing to protest. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson called for the perpetrator to be deported immediately, stating, "Having abused the privilege of our nation, the perpetrator needs to be convicted and deported on the first flight out."
Appeals for Calm
Authorities urged calm. Police Chief Constable Boutcher said, "I’m hoping that sanity will prevail. Nobody wants to see anything other than tranquillity. Northern Ireland is one of the safest places to live in the UK." Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, echoed this, calling for "cool heads to prevail" and warning against "sudden, reactive action that could cause fear, disorder and unrest."
The suspect is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, and the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. The incident follows violent protests tied to the murder of British teen Henry Nowak, whose killer falsely claimed a racist attack.
