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What is happening in Belfast? Everything we know about the riots

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What is happening in Belfast? Everything we know about the riots
What is happening in Belfast? Everything we know about the riots Rory McKeown Rory McKeown Published June 9, 2026 9:35pm Updated June 9, 2026 10:50pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook

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Widespread disorder has broken out in Northern Ireland after a man was left with serious injuries in a knife attack.

The man is in a serious condition after he was attacked in Kinnaird Road in north Belfast at around 10.30pm on Monday.

A man arrested at the scene was charged with attempted murder and is due to appear in court tomorrow.

It has led to rioting in Belfast where a bus, homes and a number of vehicles have been set on fire.  There are similar scenes in other towns.

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BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 9: Youths gather infront of a burning barricade on Duncairn Gardens on June 9, 2026 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Demonstrations have been called in reaction to what police called a "brutal" knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night, which has left a male victim in his 40's with serious injuries. The Home Office has confirmed the suspected knifeman is a Sudanese national in his 30's who was in the UK on leave to remain,??after being granted refugee status in 2023. Officials have called for calm as misinformation circulated online following the attack. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Youths gather in front of a burning barricade on Duncairn Gardens, Belfast (Picture: Getty)

What is unfolding in Belfast?

Crowds have gathered in various locations around the capital.

There are protesters in Newtownards Road in the east and close to the Crumlin Road roundabout.

A police land rover was attacked on the Crumlin Road.

Several fires have broken out and crowds have confronted police.Homes appear to have been set alight.

There is also disorder at other locations across the country, including Antrim and Bangor.

Translink, which runs public transport services in Norther Ireland, has suspended all bus and train services for the night.

Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said: ‘Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire.

‘We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.’

A bus was completely destroyed by fire after being set alight in Belfast BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 9: Protestors attack a Police vehicle on Sandy Row on June 9, 2026 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Demonstrations have been called in reaction to what police described as a "brutal" knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night, which has left a male victim in his 40's with serious injuries. The Home Office has confirmed the suspected knifeman is a Sudanese national who was in the UK on leave to remain,??after being granted refugee status in 2023. Officials have called for calm as misinformation circulated online following the attack. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Hooded protesters attack a police van in Sandy Row, Belfast(Picture: Getty)

What has sparked the scenes?

Graphic video footage circulated online appears to show a man stabbing the head and neck of a victim on the ground.

The clip shows people, including a man with a hurling stick, trying to stop the attack continuing.

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Previous Page Next Page Emergency services attend to a Glider bus, set on fire by protesters, on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast, as disorder flared during an anti-immigration demonstration organised in response to Monday night's stabbing attack in the city. A 30-year-old man arrested in connection with the Belfast stabbing attack has been charged with attempted murder and will appear in court in the city on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said. Picture date: Tuesday June 9, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: PA/PA Wire Emergency services attend to a Glider bus, set on fire by protesters, on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast (Picture: PA)

Who is the victim?

A man in his 40s who suffered significant injuries to his eyes and slash wounds to his face and back. 

He is currently in a serious condition in hospital.

Protesters block the Newtownards Road in East Belfast, following the knife attack in north Belfast on Monday. A 30 year-old man arrested in connection with the Belfast stabbing attack has been charged with attempted murder and will appear in court in the city on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said. Picture date: Tuesday June 9, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: PA/PA Wire Protesters block the Newtownards Road in east Belfast (Picture: PA)

Who is the accused?

A man aged 30 who is a Sudanese national. Police initially said he was believed to be from Somalia.

He lived close to where the attack took place.

He was charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill.

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Previous Page Next Page MUZZED Belfast attack A man has been charged with attempted murder following the attack on Monday

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The man was granted leave to remain in the UK on September 28, 2023.

He applied for asylum status after arriving in Northern Ireland in February of the same year. He travelled to Belfast from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

What are the police investigating?

Police ruled out the attack being terror-related but stressed the investigation is in its early stages.

Has there been a response?

It has been met with widespread condemnation.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.

‘I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.

‘My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.

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