Overview
- The knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue was recorded and shared widely, and the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, suffered severe wounds including the loss of an eye after the Monday assault.
- Hadi Alodid, 30, was arrested, charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article and making threats to kill, and was remanded after a Wednesday appearance at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
- Following the charging, masked groups staged anti‑immigrant protests across Belfast that turned violent on Tuesday night when rioters set vehicles, homes and a bus on fire and forced some migrant families to flee.
- Police declared a critical incident, mobilised extra officers and mutual aid, made a number of arrests for public‑order offences and warned those responsible they will be prosecuted.
- Authorities say the accused entered Northern Ireland via Dublin in 2023, had been granted leave to remain, and officials warn social media amplification by far‑right figures helped fuel the unrest while politicians call for calm and legal action.