CROWDS of protesters have taken to the streets of Belfast in the wake of the horror “attempted beheading” that rocked the nation.
Thick smoke is billowing into the air above the city as protesters set fire to bins and a bus following outrage over the attack.
A bus is on fire during protests in Belfast Credit: Sky News
Protesters used a burning bin to set the bus alight Credit: PA
Moment a man attacks antoher with a knife in the street in Belfast
One hero bystander steps in with a hurling stick
A Glider bus on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast was set alight, forcing Translink, which operates the Metro and Glider buses, to suspend its services until further notice.
Many of the protesters are dressed in tracksuits with their hoods up, and some are throwing red and orange coloured smoke flares.
Elsewhere in the city, a vehicle has been engulfed by flames near to a police barricade and a fleet of riot vans.
The PSNI have issued a Police Dispersal Order and protestors have been warned that force may be used.
Translink, which operates the Metro and Glider buses, to suspend its services until further notice Credit: PA
Protesters gather in Parliament Square following the knife attack in Belfast Credit: Reuters
Hero onlookers stepped in and whacked the man with a racket Credit: Alamy
Officers carry out enquiries following the horror incident Credit: AP
Following the protests and possible violence, Deliveroo has paused food deliveries in some areas of Belfast.
Meanwhile in London, protesters have gathered in Parliament Square carrying union jack flags and causing obstructions in the roads.
Harrowing footage of the incident was with a blade as onlookers yell “get off”.
The shocking attack sparked fears of unrest across Northern Ireland, with demonstrations planned in a number of areas.
Police have confirmed the suspect is 30-years-old and has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
And the victim – a man in his 40s – is in a serious condition after suffering injuries to his eyes, neck and back.
The incident has triggered widespread concern in communities across the province, with political leaders urging calm amid fears of a repeat of the race-related riots that erupted in Ballymena last summer.
A poster circulating on social media called for protests to begin at 7pm, with potential road closures listed across Belfast including Falls Road, Lanark Way, Crumlin Road, Ardoyne roundabout and Shankill Road.
As tensions mounted, Belfast City Council announced that all of its facilities would close and services would stop from 5.30pm because of the planned demonstrations.
The city’s political group leaders condemned the attack and appealed for calm.
In a joint statement, they said: “Violence of this kind is not wanted in our city, and our thoughts today are with the victim and his family, those who witnessed this incident and those who intervened.
“This incident has caused real distress and fear, and we encourage people not to share any footage of the incident, due to its graphic nature, and to avoid any further trauma to those involved.”
The statement added: “Belfast is a proud city, built on community, compassion and mutual respect. There is no place for violence and hatred in any form in our city.
“We appeal for everyone to unite behind this message, and to give the PSNI the space needed to carry out their investigation.”
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said officers would increase their presence across Northern Ireland in the coming days.
He said: “There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe.”
The police chief warned people against inflaming tensions online as graphic footage of the attack continued to spread.
He said: “I appeal for everyone to be mindful of what they view and share online.
“Sharing footage risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s family and loved ones, and may impact on this investigation.”
He added: “I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling enraged with emotions from fear to anger, but please, please let the PSNI, let the police do their job unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill also appealed for calm as concerns grew over the reaction to the attack.
She said: “What happened last night was horrific. People need to separate those things.”
Ms O’Neill urged the public not to associate the actions of one individual with wider minority ethnic communities.
She said: “We need to say no racism, no to hatred, no to sectarianism that is out there in our society.”
Representatives from minority ethnic communities said many people were frightened by the prospect of unrest following the attack.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr, a former mayor of Londonderry, said: “We are horrified like everyone else in this community because a member of our community has been attacked on our streets where we are all meant to be safe.”
She added: “Our community is horrified and people are afraid because they know what could happen, but we are also reassured we live in a community in which all of us are coming together united with one voice.”
The growing tensions have also drawn attention online, with far-right activist Tommy Robinson using his X account to publicise a list of locations where he called for “mass protest” across Northern Ireland.
The list was later shared by X owner Elon Musk with his millions of followers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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