The family of Stephen Ogilvy, the victim in Monday night's knife attack in Belfast, say "unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward"
Police say there will be more officers in the city today after last night's violence, while public transport is closing early
Ogilvy has lost his left eye, has damage to his right eye, and has injuries to his neck and back, a court heard earlier
The suspect, Hadi Alodid, was remanded in custody for four weeks. He was charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife
Police previously said the suspect was a 30-year-old Sudanese man. He entered the UK in 2023 and was given refugee status
On Tuesday night, houses, cars, and a bus were set on fire in Belfast - in one area, hundreds of masked men shouted "foreigners out", our reporter says
Meanwhile in Scotland, "people were attacked because of the colour of their skin" during unrest in Glasgow last night, police say
Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
Northern Ireland's executive ministers have held a virtual emergency meeting in the wake of Tuesday's disorder.
Ministers have been engaging collectively with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and the executive has said it is focused on doing what it can in this situation.
Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing says that staff have "been stopped by masked men" when travelling in and out of work.
"They have been asked to show their credentials to masked men. They have been unable to get into work.".
"It's absolutely shocking that those nurses who worked and looked after that very poor patient have now been traumatized twice.
"Once after that brutal assault, and yet again trying to get into work and being stopped by masked men."
She said some of these nurses are international and said they are "absolutely petrified".
She is calling for all essential workers to be allowed safe passage to work.
"We simply could not run our services without them. It's as simple as that. If all our internationally educated nurses left tomorrow, our system would grind to a halt."
Devlin said she has heard of reports of nurses being too afraid to leave their homes and said protests were "basically at the front door" of the hospital.
By Ben Chu
The Sudanese man charged with attempted murder, Hadi Alodid, originally travelled from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland where he claimed asylum, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said.
Home Office data records the arrival routes of asylum seekers to the UK, breaking them down into categories, such as those coming on small boats or on visas.
The “other” category includes asylum seekers arriving through the Common Travel Area (CTA), the agreement allowing free movement of British and Irish citizens between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, without valid permission to enter.
In the year to March 2026, this category accounted for 8% of total asylum seeker arrivals - which works out at 7,740., external
However, the actual numbers arriving in Northern Ireland through the CTA over that period is likely to be considerably lower, given the “other” category includes asylum claims where authorities couldn’t identify a specific route of entry and also UK-born children of asylum seekers.
The fact that official information was released on how Alodid entered indicates internal Home Office systems might hold more data on the routes taken by those who claim asylum in Northern Ireland, including those coming over land from the Republic of Ireland.
As well as in Belfast, protests took place across several locations last night.
Across Glasgow city centre, in Scotland, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at different locations on Tuesday night with their faces covered. Many were chanting, with Union flags and banners on show.
Dozens of protesters also turned up at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, before marching along Princes Street shouting with blue flares and saltires.
About 100 staged a demonstration in Ayr.
In England, dozens of protesters held Union and St George's flags as they fathered outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Southampton.
Image source, PA MediaDemonstrators march along Portswood Road in Southampton during an Enough is Enough protest yesterday
Image source, PA MediaThree arrests have been made following the disorder in Northern Ireland last night, Security Minister Dan Jarvis has told the House of Commons.
"More will surely follow," he adds.
Earlier, we reported that the first riot charge had been issued relating to the disorder - the 39-year-old man is due to appear in court later today.
Speaking to MPs, Jarvis says: "Our message to those responsible for last night’s disorder is altogether different. To them, we say this, ‘you will be caught, and you will face the consequences of your actions’."
Image source, Steve AikenThe co-owner of a Turkish barber shop says he is deeply saddened that their business was targeted during disorder in Ballyclare, a town in County Antrim about 13 miles from Belfast.
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, Ozer Soy-Suren said the shop has been open for 20 years and that staff spent the morning cleaning up damage caused the previous night.
"We knew the protest was going to happen, so we left a little early to get home and keep ourselves safe, and about an hour after we left, that's when it happened.
"We have CCTV footage showing rioters smashing the windows."
Soy-Suren said the local community have been incredibly supportive since the attack, with a steady stream of people visiting the shop to check on staff.
He said neither he nor his staff would be intimidated into leaving Ballyclare, adding that the amount of support they have received in the aftermath of the incident shows those responsible for the damage are in the minority.
Senior nurse Biji Jose said her colleagues are "really worried about what will happen"
A senior nurse has told BBC News NI she is greatly concerned that nurses from the Indian community may decide to leave Northern Ireland in the aftermath of racist attacks.
Biji Jose, from the Northern Ireland Indian Nurses Forum, has been living in Northern Ireland for 23 years.
She said junior colleagues have been in touch about the recent violence and are "really worried" about their safety.
"At the minute, I can see very anxious faces and too much worry about their families, children, future jobs, insecurity about walking around the street freely like before," she said.
"People sometimes think about we are here to come to take their job. No, it is not the way," Jose added, saying healthcare workers were among the most needed employees in Northern Ireland.
"We are filling the workforce shortage and easing the waiting lists for procedures, because of our relentless, selfless, kind services supporting the community to get the proper care on time."
Declan Harvey
BBC News NI
In Belfast city centre it's almost deserted compared to a normal mid-week lunchtime.
Groups of tourists have appeared stranded and are asking police, who are on patrol, for guidance.
A local cafe says it’s been very quiet today due to the public transport cancellations.
There is no sign of Translink city centre buses here.
Despite disruptions, CCEA have confirmed that students are still to sit their exam.
Image source, PA MediaBurnt out cars and boarded up houses on McMaster Street in east Belfast
Residents, politicians and emergency services are reflecting on a night of violent disorder in Belfast last night which saw cars, homes and a bus set on fire. Here's a recap of what we've heard this morning:
Violence condemned
The overnight violence has been met with widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer who described the chaos as "shocking and completely unacceptable".
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill said groups showed "disgusting cowardice" by "burning families out of their homes", while Reform UK's Richard Tice condemned the violence and called for calm.
PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher added the disorder was a "huge act of self-harm by mindless idiots" and called on people to prevent further violence.
Families forced to flee
As rioters took to the streets, some residents were forced to leave their homes amid the violence. A young African family living in the area for 20 years moved after their windows were smashed, while a Ukrainian family fled with their dog when their front door caught on fire.
Another resident recalled watching his home going up in flames, saying "that’s a feeling I’ll never get over".
Elsewhere, a two-month-old baby was rescued by police officers during the violence, while a 70-year-old man with dementia ended up in hospital because a brick went through his window.
Suspect in court
The suspected attacker, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, has appeared in court in Belfast charged with attempted murder. He is also charged with possession of a knife in a public place and threats to kill an NHS worker.
Hadi Alodid, with an address in Duncairn Avenue in north Belfast, appeared via video link at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and was remanded into custody.
The court was also told the victim, named as Stephen Ogilvy, who is in his 40s, has lost his left eye following the attack and remains in hospital.
The statement from the family of Stephen Ogilvy also says they are "aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident".
"We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward," the family say.
"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work."
They say they do not want this "terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility".
Mr Ogilvy remains in hospital. A court heard today that he has lost his left eye and has damage to his right eye following the attack.
The family of Stephen Ogilvy, who was injured in Monday night's north Belfast knife attack, say they are "completely devastated by the horrific attack".
"This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover," the family says in a statement.
They have thanked the local people who "bravely stepped in during the attack".
"Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment," they said.
They also thank emergency services, doctors and nurses who have been looking after him.
A 39-year-old man has become the first person to be charged by police over the violent protests in Northern Ireland.
The suspect was arrested in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, on Tuesday and has been charged with riot.
He is due to appear in court this afternoon.
The PSNI says it has set up a Public Order Enquiry Team and "all video and online footage is currently being reviewed, with further arrests and charges to follow".
Translink say bus and rail services across Northern Ireland will be suspended later today.
A statement says: "There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm.
"Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.
"Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.
"We thank our staff and customers for their continued support at this time.
"We intend to be in a position to resume normal services tomorrow morning, and passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via Translink social channels and the Journey Planner app."
Image source, PA MediaA destroyed Glider bus seen on Newtownards Road in east Belfast on Wednesday morning
We've been hearing that some schools and higher education facilities are closing early today, or offering parents the opportunity to pick up their children due to fears of further protests.
But the Department of Education says says there is no blanket decision to close all schools.
The education minister, Paul Givan, released a statement saying that schools should continue as normal.
"Every effort should be made to minimise disruption to teaching and learning."
The department added that GCSE and A Level exams will go ahead this afternoon and that "schools should make every effort to remain open for pupils sitting exams".
Givan said closing all schools across Northern Ireland would be "neither practical or proportionate".
Two police officers and three members of the public were injured during disturbances in Glasgow last night.
A statement from Police Scotland said "people were attacked because of the colour of their skin" during protests which descended into disorder in the city.
“I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland," Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell says.
“Officers continue to be in local areas and we are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.
“We have an appropriate policing plan in place, including strong links across UK policing to ensure we are prepared to deal with any escalation in disorder, and we will mobilise specialist resources if necessary."
Waddell adds the Scottish officers will be supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland as part of mutual aid arrangements.
Also in the Commons, DUP leader Gavin Robinson says the attack in Belfast on Monday was "medieval".
The MP for Belfast East says the violence carried out last night in his constituency and other parts of the country is inexcusable.
He has asked the prime minister if will he meet him to discuss the steps to ensure "our values are enforced", that the rule of law is sustained, and that he protects and closes "the open, porous border between our country and the Irish Republic".
Starmer has thanked him and all leaders who have urged calm, adding he is happy to meet him.
"We are all sickened by this attack, but the scenes of violence and disorder have no justification," Starmer adds.
Image source, House of CommonsIn the House of Commons, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been facing MPs for the weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions.
Some of the queries have been on the Belfast stabbing attack – with Lib Dems leader asking the PM whether he will “crack down” on social media platforms being used by “extremists” exploiting “grief and anger” to incite protesters.
Starmer says he will take action “on anyone who is fuelling this division”, noting that local authorities are appealing for calm.
“Nobody who is a politician should be whipping up division and hatred,” he adds.
Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
Image source, PA MediaAfter the darkness comes the fallout, the clean-up and yet more calls from political leaders and the chief constable to ensure that the violent scenes of last night are not repeated.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn arrived at PSNI headquarters just after 11:00 BST, where he was greeted by Jon Boutcher before the men took to a joint podium.
Benn said what happened last night was “not normal” and insisted that, when leadership is tested in times like these, it is important to hold the line.
His government is also now being tested on the wider issue of immigration, which is a matter reserved for Westminster.
But it is the chief constable’s force that is holding the front line and could face further pressure still, with two officers injured during last night’s disorder: one while directing traffic away from the scene and the other taken to hospital after a petrol bomb exploded next to him.
Some 200 mutual aid officers will be on the ground from tomorrow, and Boutcher insisted those responsible for the disorder will be dealt with according to the law.
In front of assembled cameras, and when asked about this being the third consecutive year of violence in Northern Ireland, he told the public: “This will pass.”
But right now, neither he, the Secretary of State, nor anyone else can say when.
Boutcher says events like these are not something that police forces in the rest of the UK have to deal with regularly.
“It happens repeatedly here, there’s questions to be asked about that.
"And we can’t deal with these issues when we’ve not got those community officers in those communities that need our support."
“We have huge gaps. This has to be the entire organisation coming together to deal with issues like this, and we will identify and prosecute those responsible.”
