Following the widely reported knife attack in the UK, where a Sudanese man is suspected of attempting to cut his victim’s throat, anger has exploded in the streets. Demonstrations have spiraled into unrest, and videos on social media show burning buildings and even a bus set on fire.

Large crowds gathered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the evening to protest the situation. The demonstrations later escalated into extensive unrest as containers and a bus were set on fire. According to British media, several buildings—including homes and commercial establishments—have also been set ablaze.

Across several parts of Northern Ireland, people gathered under slogans demanding tougher migration policies and stricter border controls. Protesters also carried signs advocating for justice and national security.

Some of the signs read messages such as “No racism, only patriotism”, “Enough is enough”, and “Stop justice system’s double standards”.

The background of the protests is the knife attack that took place on Monday evening. A 30-year-old man from Sudan has been charged with attempted murder after trying to slit a person’s throat in broad daylight. The victim is being treated for serious injuries.

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He is also accused of carrying a bladed weapon in a public place as well as making death threats. The man is expected to face trial in Belfast on Wednesday.

Government appeals for an “inclusive society”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill issued a calming message to the country’s immigrant communities following the knife attack and distanced herself from the stance of critical citizens after the attempted beheading. She stressed the importance of “being able to distinguish between things”.

– As First Minister, I want to say to our entire migrant and immigrant community that we do not tolerate sectarianism, hatred, or division. And to those who try to stoke tensions, especially on social media, who neither care about nor hold any real interest in the people here but are happy to raise the level of conflict, I want to say that they do not represent us, she said, and continued:

– This is a society that welcomes people and is inclusive. We are good people. I do not want to see anyone living in fear, and we must say no to racism, no to hatred, and no to the sectarianism that exists in our society.

Michelle O’Neill and Keir Starmer. Photo: Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street

The Sudanese man was a “refugee”

Police have stated that the suspect had valid residency in the UK until 2028. According to authorities, he arrived in the country in 2023 and was granted refugee status that same year, reports the British newspaper The Independent.

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British authorities are investigating the perpetrator’s actions and background. Meanwhile, police have emphasized that at this stage, there are no signs the attack was terror-related.