Violent unrest gripped Northern Ireland’s capital as leaders warned against hate, fear, and mob violence.
Belfast was shaken by violent unrest on Tuesday evening after anti-immigration protesters set fire to vehicles and buildings, one day after a graphic knife attack video triggered public outrage.
Hundreds of demonstrators, many wearing masks, gathered across several parts of the Northern Irish capital. A bus and multiple cars were torched, while a building near the city centre caught fire, forcing residents to evacuate.
Police helicopters circled overhead as officers responded to disorder across the city, and several shops closed early amid fears of further violence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the original knife attack in north Belfast as “sickening,” while political leaders urged the public not to allow anger to turn into hatred or attacks on specific communities.
The unrest comes during a period of rising tension across the United Kingdom over immigration, asylum policy, violent crime, and public trust in law enforcement.
Populist and hard-right parties have increasingly focused on immigration, arguing that current asylum policies have failed to protect the public. Similar anger sparked anti-immigration rioting in Northern Ireland last year after an alleged sexual assault.
Northern Ireland’s political leaders and police chiefs appealed for calm, warning that violence, arson, and intimidation will only deepen fear and divide communities further.
