Cars and homes torched as disorder breaks out following Belfast knife attack

A clean up is getting underway in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland this morning after violence erupted last night following protests over a serious knife attack.

A Sudanese man is due in court later charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack.

Houses and cars were set on fire last night, businesses were attacked, and a glider was hijacked and torched in the East Belfast.

That resulted in all public transport being suspended in the city.

Police and politicians reiterated calls for calm.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said last night, ““Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire”

“We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe.”

“We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder”.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said “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. The attack in North Belfast was heinous and wrong."

"But there are dangerous attempts to exploit that to target and attack innocent people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here. Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur. There can be no excuse and no justification for these attacks tonight. No one wants to see this on our streets and I again appeal for calm.”