Riots erupt in Belfast and other UK cities after knife attack video
Violent protests targeting immigrants spread across the United Kingdom following a viral video of a stabbing, prompting condemnation from political leaders and a large police response.
Police deployed large numbers of officers to Belfast on Monday and Tuesday as unrest escalated after a video of a knife attack went viral on social media. The footage shows a man repeatedly stabbing a victim who was later taken to hospital with serious injuries. The 44-year-old victim is Irish; the 30-year-old suspect, arrested at the scene, is Sudanese and has been charged with attempted murder.
The disturbance spread to other UK cities, with reports of attacks directed at individuals because of their skin colour. Security forces managed to prevent a repeat of the violence in Belfast on Wednesday, but protests continued elsewhere.
"We will hold those responsible to account and there will be no tolerance for this violence," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"The rioting is unacceptable and must end," added First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
Political figures criticised the role of social-media platforms in amplifying xenophobic content. Far-right activists, including a convicted extremist who called for mass protests, were cited as influencing the atmosphere, and a post by the platform’s chief executive was shared publicly.
Analysts noted that the unrest mirrors previous disturbances in 2024 linked to anti-immigration sentiment, and highlighted socioeconomic pressures in several deprived areas of Northern England and the south.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and that anyone involved in the riots will face legal action.
