BELFAST: A bus was set on fire and sporadic disorder broke out in parts of Northern Ireland on Tuesday after a knife attack in Belfast sparked violent protests.
UK political leaders and police called for calm following the arrest of a man accused of attempting to murder a man in a stabbing incident in north Belfast late on Monday.
The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his eyes, face and back and was taken to hospital, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there had been “sporadic pockets of disorder” in several locations and urged restraint.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions, from fear to anger,” he said, adding that the incident had been declared a “critical incident”.
He said officers were responding to incidents on the ground alongside partner agencies.
“We appeal for calm and the safety of all our communities,” he said, urging community leaders to discourage violence.
Police said there was “no information to suggest this was a terrorist-related incident” and confirmed that no other suspects were being sought.
The suspect, a 30-year-old man who has not been named, was detained on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of a knife in a public place and making threats to kill.
A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene, police said.
Protests were reported in Belfast and other locations on Tuesday evening following calls circulated on social media.
Demonstrators gathered near the site of the attack, while police helicopters patrolled overhead and shops closed early in parts of the city.
AFP reported that a bus was set on fire during the unrest.
In Belfast, hundreds of protesters, many wearing masks, gathered as police attempted to contain disturbances. Authorities said there had been “sporadic pockets of disorder” across Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “sickening” and called for calm.
Northern Ireland’s five main political parties issued a joint statement condemning the stabbing and urging restraint, warning against actions that could inflame tensions.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said many people were “angry and deeply distressed” but stressed that violence would harm communities.
