UK PM Starmer Condemns Anti-Immigrant Violence in Belfast

Vehicles set on fire by protesters. (AP Photo)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday strongly condemned the anti-immigrant violence that erupted across Belfast overnight, calling the scenes "shocking and completely unacceptable" and vowing that those behind the disorder would face the "full force of the law. " "It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it," Starmer said after rioters attacked homes, torched vehicles and clashed with police in several parts of Northern Ireland's capital. The UK PM said he had spoken with the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to thank officers and emergency responders for their efforts, and had also discussed the situation with Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister. "Appealing for calm must be the priority," Starmer said, urging people to allow police to carry out their work.

Violence erupts after knife attack

The unrest followed a knife attack in north Belfast late on Monday night that left a man in his 40s with serious injuries. A 30-year-old Sudanese national has since been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and making threats to kill. The suspect is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. According to the police, the victim suffered severe injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his face and back during what officers described as a "brutal" assault. A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene. Video footage circulating online showed members of the public attempting to restrain the attacker before police arrived. Senior officers later credited those intervening with helping save the victim's life.

Homes attacked, vehicles set ablaze

As news and footage of the stabbing spread online, hundreds of protesters gathered across Belfast on Tuesday evening. Many had their faces covered, and police deployed armoured vehicles to several flashpoints. Rioters set multiple cars on fire across the city, while a bus was engulfed in flames in east Belfast. The BBC reported that around 100 men targeted homes in one east Belfast street, kicking in doors and smashing windows. Pastor Jack McKee told the broadcaster that Black residents appeared to be specifically targeted during some of the attacks. Families were reportedly forced from their homes as masked groups rampaged through affected neighbourhoods.

What Starmer said about the knife attack

Before condemning the riots, Starmer had described the original stabbing as "sickening." The prime minister's remarks came as authorities continued to investigate the incident, which police said is not currently being treated as an act of terrorism. The Belfast violence comes amid rising tensions over immigration and public safety in parts of the UK. Northern Ireland witnessed similar anti-immigrant riots last year following allegations of a sexual assault, although charges against two boys arrested in that case were later withdrawn. The latest unrest also follows a series of immigration-related protests across Britain, with critics of the government's asylum policies arguing that existing systems have allowed potentially dangerous individuals to enter the country. Police have appealed for calm as investigations into both the stabbing and the subsequent disorder continue.