Family of Belfast attack victim speak out as police brace for more violence

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleStephen Ogilvie lost an eye and sustained severe injuries in a knife attack in Belfast, leading to the arrest and charging of Hadi Alodid with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and knife possession. Ogilvie's family has strongly condemned the subsequent violence and protests, which saw homes and cars torched, displacing families, and explicitly stated that such unrest is 'not welcome,' advocating for peaceful protest instead. Racist rioting erupted across Belfast following the attack, with mobs setting fire to property, including a bus and cars, and targeting individuals based on their race, prompting widespread condemnation from political figures and police chiefs. Hadi Alodid was refused bail by District Judge Stephen Keown due to police concerns about 'significant public disorder' if released, with the judge warning that anyone participating in further unrest should 'be prepared to go to prison.' Police fear further violence, with high-profile social media accounts using the incident to call for street protests, leading to public transport disruptions and warnings from Northern Ireland's justice minister about 'weaponising' fear. In fullBelfast stabbing victim’s family condemn riots and say ‘unrest is unwelcome’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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