UK Gripped by Anti-Immigration Protests, Vehicles and Buildings Set on Fire

Anti-immigration violent protests have spread in Belfast, United Kingdom. Hundreds of protesters gathered in different parts of the city and set fire to a bus and several vehicles. An incident of arson was also reported at a residential building.

The unrest began following a stabbing incident involving a Sudanese man and a British citizen. The suspect has already been arrested by police.

Many of the protesters were seen wearing masks. A building near the city centre was also set on fire. Protesters torched bins and threw petrol bombs during the violence.

Crowds also gathered in Antrim, located about 25 kilometres west of Belfast.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly condemned the violence and urged calm. In a post on X, she described the masked attackers as attempting to force innocent families out of their homes, calling it “nothing but disgraceful cowardice.” She said racism, intimidation, and violence are unacceptable wherever they occur and urged people to remain calm.

The suspect in the stabbing incident in north Belfast late Monday night was arrested on Tuesday night on charges of attempted murder, possession of a sharp weapon in public, and making threats to kill. He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.

Source: Al Jazeera