Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned those involved in the ongoing disorder across Belfast after several nights of violence that followed a serious knife attack in the city.

The unrest began after a man in his 40s suffered severe injuries during an attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. Footage of the incident quickly spread online, prompting widespread outrage and sparking demonstrations across parts of Northern Ireland. Authorities later charged a 30-year-old Sudanese national with attempted murder, possession of a knife and making threats to kill. Detectives have stated there is no indication that the attack was terror-related.

The disorder followed a serious knife attack on 43-year-old Stephen Ogilvie in the Kinnaird Terrace area of north Belfast on Sunday evening. Ogilvie suffered life-changing injuries during the incident and later revealed he had lost an eye as a result of the attack. Speaking from hospital, he urged people not to use what happened to him as justification for violence, saying he did not want anyone else to suffer because of the incident.

A 30-year-old Sudanese national has since been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and making threats to kill in connection with the attack. Police have stressed that the criminal investigation remains ongoing and have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the case. The suspect appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

While the attack sparked widespread anger across the city, political leaders, community representatives and the victim's own family have all appealed for calm, warning against directing blame towards entire communities for the alleged actions of one individual. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised that the criminal justice system must be allowed to take its course.

What began as protests soon escalated into widespread disorder. Across Belfast and surrounding areas, masked groups set fire to vehicles, attacked properties, clashed with police and targeted homes believed to be occupied by migrants and ethnic minority families. Reports indicate that families, including young children and even a two-month-old baby, had to be evacuated from burning buildings as firefighters and police responded to multiple incidents.

A bus was set alight, homes were damaged by fire, and police officers suffered injuries while attempting to restore order. Water cannons were later deployed as authorities sought to contain a second night of disturbances.

As criticism mounted, Starmer issued a strongly worded statement on social media. On an X post he wrote:

"The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable.

It is clear that people have been targeted because of who they are and that will not be tolerated.

There is no justification for the violence and disorder we have seen, which has threatened communities, and those who incited it, whether online or otherwise.

Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.

My thoughts are with those affected and the PSNI has my full support in restoring order.

Now is the time for calm. We must let the police do their job."

He later reinforced his position, describing the riots as "shocking and completely unacceptable" and stressing that people had been targeted because of their background.

Political leaders across Northern Ireland have also condemned the violence. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the attacks as "outright thuggery", while Justice Minister Naomi Long accused those involved of exploiting public anger for their own purposes and causing harm to the very communities they claim to protect.

The disorder has attracted significant attention online, with social media users debating both the original attack and the response that followed.

One person commented:

“’We want our country back.’ They’re destroying buildings and people’s belongings. What’s that going to solve?”

Another wrote:

“So sad to see this from the Irish. I always though as oppressed people, this was not a place that would move like this. A reminder that racists are everywhere.”

The comment reflects a wider discussion about Ireland's own history. For centuries, Irish communities experienced discrimination, political exclusion and economic hardship, both under British rule and through anti-Irish prejudice experienced abroad. Many online have pointed to that history while expressing disappointment at scenes of hostility directed towards minority communities.

Another person commented:

“Arrest these idiots and take away their Universal Credit, it’s the only reason they are protesting on a Tuesday night. Most of us are tired from work or going to work the next day.”

Meanwhile, officials have raised concerns about the role of online figures and social media content in fuelling tensions. Several political leaders have accused outside agitators of inflaming the situation, while police continue to monitor calls for further demonstrations.

With additional officers deployed, arrests continuing and fears of further unrest remaining, authorities are urging residents to remain calm and allow the criminal justice process to take its course. For many in Belfast, the focus now is on restoring order and preventing more innocent families from becoming caught up in violence that has already left communities shaken.