BELFAST has been rocked by a night of violent protests after rioters took to the streets in the wake of a horror stabbing.

Burnt-out buses and cars could be seen in front of charred buildings as shocking pictures laid bare the .

NINTCHDBPICT001087362967Terrified locals say they now live in fear that their homes could be next Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk A man sweeping glass from the street next to a burnt-out bus and a damaged storefront in East Belfast.A huge clean up operation has started in Belfast Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Burned-out cars and houses on Lendrick Street in Belfast after violence.Homes and cars were targeted on Lendrick Street after violence erupted Credit: PA A man with a knife over a prone, pixelated figure on the street.Rioters took to the street in the wake of an alleged stabbing on Monday

Locals were forced to flee their as the disorder erupted and houses were set alight during protests following Monday’s horrific knife attack.

A huge clean up operation has started this morning, with charred remains and rubbish seen strewn across deserted roads in the capital.

Masked rioters reportedly targeted homes of migrants and a Middle Eastern supermarket during the “terrifying” scenes.

Local pastor Jack McKee, who helped support those who were forced to flee the area, claimed families were targeted “because they are black”.

Vehicles set on fire by protesters on Lendrick Street in Belfast.Masked rioters reportedly targeted homes of migrants Credit: PA A double-decker bus engulfed in flames and black smoke on a street in Belfast.A bus was also set alight amid the fury and chaos Credit: Sky News Protesters block Newtownards Road in East Belfast, with Union Jack flags lining the street.Protesters blocking the Newtownards Road in East Belfast Credit: PA Youths gather in front of a burning barricade, creating thick smoke, during demonstrations in Belfast, Northern Ireland.Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away as the city descended into chaos Credit: Getty

He told the BBC: “They’re good Christian people and they’re getting put out just because they’re black. I’m doing my best to help them.

“Men, women, children that are living in fear because of what some idiot did last night.

“I’m angry and I’m disappointed that this is the response of people in our community.”

A Sudanese asylum seeker was over the stabbing.

Hadi Alodid was detained after Stephen Ogilvie, believed to be aged 44, was left with horror injuries in a knife attack.

Harrowing footage showed a man repeatedly slashing at the man’s face and neck as horrified onlookers screamed “get off”.

One witness could be heard shouting: “He’s trying to cut his head off.”

Stephen suffered injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his neck and back during the assault in north Belfast on Monday.

A man in a blue and white jacket and shorts, hitting another person, whose body is blurred, with a large wooden paddle.Hero passersby rushed over to help Stephen Credit: Unknown Stephen Ogilvie, victim of an attack in Belfast, appears with bruises and injuries on his face, looking directly into the camera.Victim Stephen Ogilvie was left with horror injuries Credit: Facebook

Alodid is appearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today charged with attempted murder.

said last night’s disorder – which also saw a Turkish barbershop set alight – was “shocking and completely unacceptable”.

In a post on X, the PM said: “The scenes in last night were shocking and completely unacceptable.

“There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it.

“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it.

“Those responsible will feel the full force of the . Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now.”

Shocking pictures showed firefighters dousing flames as plumes of smoke rose between homes in residential streets.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had been called out to more than 60 incidents.

Cleanup and repairs after anti-immigrant riots in Belfast, Northern Ireland.Windows are now being boarded up on homes that were gutted by the fires Credit: Getty Police walk past a burnt-out car on Lendrick Street in Belfast following anti-immigrant riots.Police have been assessing the damage on the streets this morning Credit: Getty The burnt interior of a home in Belfast following anti-immigrant riots.Sir Keir Starmer said last night’s disorder was ‘shocking and completely unacceptable’ Credit: Getty A worker clears debris in front of a burnt-out bus in East Belfast.A bus, a police car and several other vehicles were among those targeted Credit: AP

A bus, a car and several other vehicles were among those targeted by thugs overnight.

Politicians have slammed the “thuggery” and echoed the PM’s calls for an immediate end to the violence.

NI First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: “Taking frustration at the evil actions of a person out on those who had no part in it is utterly wrong.”

Anselme Shima, a resident of Belfast, stands on a street with damaged cars and people in the background, discussing how his children were scared after violence erupted in the area.Anselme Shima said his three children were ‘very scared’ after violence erupted Credit: PA People inspect damage to a residential neighborhood after anti-immigrant protests and riots.Politicians have slammed last night’s violence Credit: Reuters

Anselme Shima, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, lives near the street where the violence erupted last night.

Anselme, who has lived in Belfast since 2013, said he is worried his family – his wife, two sons and daughter – could be targeted next.

The dad-of-three said: “I’ve lived on my street for almost 10 years, I have a good relationship with my neighbours, but last night was a horrific one.

“We rushed to close the windows because of the smoke coming from the bus and then this street was on fire.

“My kids kept asking me: ‘Daddy, what is happening?’ I didn’t know what to tell them, so I put the on for them to see for themselves.

“My son was asking me: ‘Daddy, are we OK?’ and I said: ‘Let’s pray to see what god will do to us tonight.’

“It’s just a terrifying moment, we don’t know what to do. I’m scared. Seeing this, I’m wondering if I’m next.

“If this happened (again) is my house the next to be attacked? I don’t know. So it’s a very scary moment.”

PSNI’s Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the disorder took Northern Ireland “back seismically”.

He said: “We live in a democracy. If there is to be a debate about immigration, if there is to be a debate about any key issues, that’s through politicians and elected mandate that will occur next May.

“Do not, do not, act in a way that literally brings this place into a disrepute that it doesn’t deserve.

“This is an incredible place, Northern Ireland, absolutely fabulous.

“We lobbied continually for people to recognise how great Northern Ireland is. Last night took us back seismically.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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