The condition of the Belfast stabbing victim is improving and he could be brought out of a coma within 48 hours, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said, after meeting Stephen Ogilvie’s parents.
The family were “broken” after their son was attacked, causing the loss of one eye and leaving him severely injured.
Mr Robinson said: “They hope, pray and trust that he will be released from that coma within the next 24 or 48 hours, at which point assessments will be made about his sight and other impacts from the atrocity that happened on Monday evening.
“They are grateful for support, but they particularly are calling for an end to the misinformation, the falsehoods and the lies that are only making a very difficult situation all the worse.”
After violent disorder broke out on the streets of Belfast for two nights running, Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson warned protesters the justice system “stands ready to give long sentences”.
A dozen officers were injured and 16 people were arrested after police were pelted with bricks and petrol bombs.
Suspect Hadi Alodid has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Key points
- Stab victim's condition improving and he 'may come out of coma within 48 hours'
- 12 police officers injured and 16 arrests on Wednesday night
- Police issue photos of men wanted over disorder
- Nurses ‘terrified’ as migrant workers targeted in racist attacks
- Health minister says attacks on emergency service workers 'beggars belief'
Pictured: Food parcels for Belfast migrants forced to flee
22:45 , Jane Dalton
No signficant outbreaks of disorder so far tonight
22:17 , Alex Ross
Police are maintaining a presence in areas that witnessed some of the worst disorder over recent nights – including the Newtownards Road in east Belfast and the Sandyknowes roundabout on the northern outskirts of the city – but as of 10pm there were no reports of further significant outbreaks of disorder.
Opinion: After the riots, the Irish border is back to haunt Brexit
21:35 , Jane Dalton
The land route across the Irish border exposes glaring gaps in UK national security. Once in Dublin, Hadi Alodid could reach the UK, with or without papers. How many others have travelled this route, asks Mary Dejevsky:
After the Belfast riots, the Irish border is back to haunt Brexit
They were driven from their homelands by violence – now Belfast riots have placed refugees under fresh attack
21:13 , Alex Ross
Women and children are in hiding in fear of waves of racist attacks fuelled by hatred spread on social media, as Sam Kiley reports from Belfast:
Children who have fled their homes in fear after their address appeared on fascist social media sites arrive sobbing at a community care centre.
Women forced into hiding send out desperate appeals for food, nappies, the very basics of life – sugar, pasta, cooking oil.In the language of foreign aid these are the pleas from Internally Displaced People – refugees so often the victims of ethnic violence and hatred abroad.
But this is the United Kingdom.Two nights of riots in Belfast, reinforced with a social media campaign of intimidation and the publication of the addresses of known immigrants have driven people of foreign descent from their homes and children from their schools.
Belfast riots see refugees who sought safety in UK under fresh attack
'Law and order coming' for rioters, says minister
20:35 , Jane Dalton
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said “law and order will be coming” for those engaged in disorder in Northern Ireland in recent days.
He said he hoped that less disruption on Wednesday night meant “people are beginning to reflect on their actions”.
“I know from talking to the Chief Constable that he and his officers are working extremely hard to identify those who are engaged in the disorder so they can be brought to justice, because if they can find the people, then law and order will be coming for them,” he said at Stormont on Thursday.
“Because we cannot have citizens of the United Kingdom, residents of Northern Ireland, being put in fear by this kind of mindless thuggery.”
Intimidation of nurses 'beyond unacceptable'
20:05 , Jane Dalton
UK Health Secretary James Murray said the intimidation of nurses was “beyond unacceptable”.
“I’m so sorry to hear that that’s happened in our country,” he said.
“We need to make sure that NHS staff are protected and they can continue to do the fantastic work they do day in, day out.
“I think the nurse in that case, I heard, carried on and went to work, even despite what happened, and I think for me that shows that alongside some of the worst of our country – in the way that they were intimidated – some of the best of our country – in that that nurse went to work and continued to serve people through the NHS.”
Belfast, Dublin and London agree to work jointly to prevent abuse of travel deal
19:35 , Jane Dalton
Ministers from the UK and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland Executive have agreed to work together on stronger enforcement of the Common Travel Area (CTA) to “prevent abuse” of it in the wake of the Belfast stabbing.
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, Irish justice minister Jim O’Callaghan and Stormont justice minister Naomi Long spoke by phone on Wednesday.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said the “open porous border” with Ireland should be closed, while TUV leader Jim Allister asked for clarity on what basis suspect Hadi Alodid was admitted at Dublin Airport in 2023.
The UK government says immigration enforcement against “illegal migrants” will intensify in Northern Ireland – including intelligence-led operations along CTA routes.
Stormont deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there were “questions to be asked” about immigration policy across the two islands and about checks in Dublin.
Ireland’s Department of Justice said the three ministers agreed to work together to prevent abuse of the CTA.
Opinion: Mob rule has never been far away in my home city
19:01 , Jane Dalton
I wish I could say this is not my Belfast – but mob rule has never been far away
In pictures: Belfast after two nights of riots
18:15 , Jane Dalton
'Traitors who intimidate nurses are scum of the earth,' says UUP leader
17:30 , Jane Dalton
UUP leader Jon Burrows has said people who chase and intimidate nurses are “the scum of the earth” and “traitors to our country”.
“If they think they are patriots by pursuing and intimidating the people caring for our own citizens, they are traitors to our country,” he said at Stormont.
“When the police get hold of them, they should arrest them, they should charge them, they should remand them and the judge should give them an exemplary sentence.”
Bus and rail services stop early again
17:05 , Jane Dalton
Northern Ireland’s Translink says there will be no Metro, Ulsterbus or Glider services out of Belfast after 5.30pm this evening.
The last rail services will operate from Grand Central Station on or before 8.15pm, the company also said.
A reduced timetable will be in place this evening on Enterprise services, and outside Belfast, local Ulsterbus services are expected to operate largely as normal, with some adjustments.
Goldliner services will have no departures after 7.30pm.
Customers are advised to check the latest travel updates onTranslink social media channels, the Journey Planner app, and Translink’s website.
Background: How the fast-track asylum scheme has changed
17:00 , Jane Dalton
Belfast knife attack suspect Hadi Alodid was granted asylum under a fast-track application scheme because of his nationality.
The streamlined asylum process (SAP) scheme was set up when Rishi Sunak was prime minister, in an effort to cut the backlog.
The scheme – which is no longer in operation – was used to process asylum applications for adults from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen without the need for a “personal interview”.
According to guidance from when SAP for adults was introduced in 2023, claimants from those countries had a grant rate of “over 95%”, meaning a less rigorous process could be followed to save caseworkers’ time.
Now, all adults must be interviewed.
The Home Office still uses another scheme with the same name to consider asylum claims from children from so-called high grant rate countries but it is understood this does not operate in the same way and face-to-face meetings or interviews are required for all applications.
Schools hailed as 'bedrock of safety'
16:25 , Jane Dalton
Schools in Northern Ireland have been praised for keeping children safe and helping them continue to learn amid the disorder.
Richard Pengelly, chief executive of the the Education Authority, said in a letter to school leaders: “Schools provide an essential bedrock of safety, stability and resilience for our children and young people. I hope you and your staff all know how much your contribution is valued.”
He said closures across Northern Ireland would not be practical or proportionate but school leaders may need to make decisions based on the situations in their areas.
Nurses ‘terrified’ as migrant workers targeted in racist attacks
15:42 , Jane Dalton
Nurses ‘terrified’ as they are targeted in racist attacks during Belfast disorder
Stab victim improving and he may come out of coma soon, says MP
15:06 , Jane Dalton
Breaking news: The condition of the Belfast stabbing victim is improving and he could be released from a coma within 48 hours, DUP leader Gavin Robinson says.
The East Belfast MP said he met the parents of Stephen Ogilvie on Thursday afternoon and that the family were “broken” after what had happened to their son.
Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye in a stabbing attack on Monday night which preceded two nights of disorder in Northern Ireland.
“They have spoken very powerfully, in my view, that their desire is that what happened to their son on Monday evening is not used as an excuse for intimidation or division within our society,” Mr Robinson said at Stormont.
“They have asked me to share that whilst their son remains in a coma, his condition is improving.
“They hope, pray and trust that he will be released from that coma within the next 24 or 48 hours, at which point assessments will be made about his sight and other impacts from the atrocity that happened on Monday evening.
“They are grateful for support, but they particularly are calling for an end to the misinformation, the falsehoods and the lies that are only making a very difficult situation all the worse.”
SDLP brands DUP call to close border 'bunkum'
14:43 , Jane Dalton
SDLP leader Claire Hanna has branded the DUP’s comments on the Irish border “bunkum, distraction, deflection” and “very ill-intended”.
“This is the DUP defaulting back because they don’t really know what to do to their core policy, which is blame everything on Ireland and Irishness,” Ms Hanna said after the party met Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at Stormont.
“Be divisive and get the band back together on putting a border on this island.
“We know that it is neither desirable or practical. It wouldn’t have solved the problem of either the grotesque violence that happened in north Belfast at the start of the week, or the lawlessness that has continued throughout.
“Neither of those would be solved by a border.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson says the “open porous border” between Northern Ireland and the Republic should be closed.
Sudanese suspect 'did not face asylum interview'
14:00 , Jane Dalton
Sudanese suspect Hadi Alodid was able to stay in Britain in 2023 after filling in a questionnaire rather than facing the standard interview, the Daily Mail reports.
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn told Times Radio the fast-track asylum scheme is no longer in operation and asylum-seekers are now “properly processed” so a decision can be made on whether they should be granted asylum.
Belfast recalls Henry Nowak murder
13:43 , Jane Dalton
In Belfast, a banner and graffiti have gone up recalling Henry Nowak, who was killed in Southampton last year, and whose killer Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years.
Police warn those 'stirring up young people' into disorder must stop
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The PSNI said those “stirring up young people” to engage in disorder need to stop.
Speaking at a press conference at PSNI headquarters, assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said: “Those who are maybe stirring up young people, getting them out onto the streets, bringing them out in masks to try and hide their identity.
“You need to stop that behaviour, because you’re going to put young people at risk of becoming part of the criminal justice system.”
The officer said police would be “increasing our patrols in and around hospitals” to reassure healthcare staff concerned they may be targeted by racist mobs.
He added that most of the injuries to police officers during the disorder have been “minor” and “most of them are straight back on the line where they want to be out protecting the public”.
Belfast attack hero says rioters have 'lost sight' of why they are demonstrating
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The man who leapt to the aid of Stephen Oglivie during an alleged knife attack in Northern Ireland has warned rioters have “lost sight” of why they are demonstrating.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Matt McKiernan said: “Everyone is entitled to their right of opinion and their right to protest. When it turns violent, then you lose sight of the protest and what it stands for”.
You can read more about Mr McKiernan’s intervention below:
‘Hero’ who fought Belfast knifeman with hurling stick ‘glad’ to help
Everything we learnt after police give press conference on Wednesday's disorder
12:56 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police gave a press conference earlier this afternoon following another night of violent disorder in Northern Ireland.
Here’s everything you need to know:
• Police arrested 16 people and have charged two following disorder on Wednesday
• 12 police officers were injured, some with petrol bombs
• Police warned rioters “the stakes are high for you” as they appealed for calm
• The force said they will be back on the streets tonight with “bolstered numbers”
• Officers appealed to social media companies to do their part in stopping the spread of disinformation online
Police give more details on two charged following disorder
12:47 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A 28-year-old man and 24-year-old woman have been charged following disorder in Portadown on Wednesday night in response to the Belfast stabbing attack.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the man was charged with failing to remove a disguise when requested, obstructing police and resisting police.
The woman has been charged with disorderly behaviour and possession of an article with intent to do damage.
Both will appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Police will be on the streets with 'bolstered' numbers tonight
12:26 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police will be “back on the ground” in Belfast with “bolstered” numbers on Thursday evening, PSNI assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson has said.
He told a press conference in Belfast: “Tonight, we will be back on the ground in significant numbers.
“Our numbers, bolstered by our colleagues from Great Britain, who are joining us on mutual aid, will see officers deployed all across Northern Ireland to protect our communities and to prevent disorder.
“Let me be clear, there can be peaceful protest, it is part of a democratic society. What we saw bears no resemblance to that.”
Police appeal directly to tech companies over social media activity
12:22 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police chiefs appealed directly to social media companies to help control “toxic” and “criminal” messages online.
Assistant chief constable Henderson said: “I want to appeal directly to social media companies. If you are hosting material content on your sites that is encouraging disorder, that needs to stop.”
He added: “It’s not helpful, we need to get back to normal, they have a part to play in doing that.”
No arrests have been made over social media activity at this stage, he said.
Police officers injured by petrol bombs
12:19 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The PSNI said some police officers were injured by petrol bombs following “significant rioting” in Northern Ireland last night.
Speaking at a press conference at PSNI headquarters in Belfast, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “I want to strongly condemn the second night of disorder seen in some areas across Northern Ireland.
“This violent behaviour by a thuggish minority will not be tolerated.
“Last night we saw significant disorder in Newtownabbey and Portadown.
“We, the police, used water cannon and fired 20 AEP (Attenuating Energy Projectiles) to quell that disorder.
“We arrested 16 people, two have already been charged. 12 officers were injured, some by petrol bombs, following that significant rioting.”
Two charged and 16 arrested after disorder on Wednesday
12:17 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Two people have been charged following disorder in Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening following the Belfast stabbing attack, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said.
He added 16 arrests were also made.
'The stakes for you are high': Police chief gives warning to those who want to riot
12:16 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson has given a stark warning to those wanting to riot or those who have committed violence during the protests in Belfast.
“It was clear from the outset that those who attended were not intent on peaceful protest, they were intent on violence,” he said.
“My clear message to those who have taken part in violence or are thinking of taking to our streets: the stakes for you are high. We’ll bring you to justice, and I know the judiciary in Northern Ireland stands ready to give long sentences to those bringing disorder to our streets.”
“Tonight we will be back on the streets in significant numbers”
Pastor forced into hiding in Belfast said 'we are not aliens'
11:15 , Harriette Boucher
A pastor in Belfast has been forced into hiding with his wife and two children following the riots in the city.
Pastor Anselme Shima, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said people needed to realise they were not “aliens”.
He told Sky News: “Look at me, I am like your brother, for some son, for some father.
“And my children are like your children, they go to the same school as your children, they have the same teacher.
“We can live together just as we have been living together.
“If there are issues... Exactly, myself, I condemn the brutality of the attack on Monday night. But not everyone is that bad.”
He adds: "If we focus on what divides us, we will separate ourselves as far as possible, and [we] will never cohabitate in peace.
“But if we can see ourselves as a fellow human being who is here to help and bring his contribution to the development of our country, of course we can find a way of living together in peace.”
In pictures: House in Newtownabbey burnt out in second night of unrest
11:06 , Harriette Boucher
Bystander who helped stabbing victim says it was 'natural reaction' to step in
10:18 , Harriette Boucher
The “hero” bystander who intervened in Monday’s stabbing said it was “natural reaction” to step in and help.
Maitiu Mag Tighearnan and his friend Andre were driving down Kinnaird Avenue by chance when they saw what they thought was a fight.
“Before I’d even stopped the car, Andre is out straight away,” he told Good Morning Britain. “He was about two or three feet away before he realised, that’s a lot more than what he thought it was, he saw the knife.”
Mr Tighearnan then grabbed the hurling stick from his car and fought off the man attacking the victim.
“There's a man lying there, I just heard 'he's being stabbed', there was blood everywhere. The first thing is that man needs help so it's a natural reaction for me.
“Most people that I know would also do the same.”
He added: “Belfast is that, at the minute with everything going on it gets a bad rep but in north Belfast it's a whole community spirit in place…it's about helping each other.”
Read more about Mr Tighearnan here:
‘Hero’ who fought Belfast knifeman with hurling stick ‘glad’ to help
Migrant carers taken off shifts after being targeted
09:41 , Harriette Boucher
Migrant workers and carers have been taken off their shifts after being targeted by the riots in Belfast.
Ryan Williams, the chief executive of Connected Health, which provides private homecare services, said they had to move staff from their homes after windows had been broken at one of their locations.
He said: “If you’re a person of any colour, whether you’ve lived here for generations or whether you’ve come here in the last number of years to provide this much needed skilled care, essentially you’re at risk," Belfast Telegraph reported.
“Our carers have been amazing, we haven’t missed a single call, which is just testament to the courage and bravery of our carers out on the ground.”
Paramilitary groups involved in Belfast unrest, says trade union sec
08:59 , Harriette Boucher
Paramilitary groups are “undoubtedly” involved in the demonstrations in Belfast, a trade union secretary has claimed.
Patricia McKeown , a regional secretary for Unison, told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster: “I’ve heard a lot of nonsense that it couldn’t possibly be them involved because they’re in transition, in transition to what?”
The chief executive of Connected Health, Ryan Williams also called for “good grace and sense” to allow carers to do a “much needed” job.
He said: “We’ve had to pull people off shift and really get that care out to people who badly need it.
“That’s what people forget, we’re coming to look after your grandparents, your aunts, your uncles, and the necessity to get that care to people, sometimes who see nobody else. It’s really quite incredible.”
Just one asylum seeker was returned to Ireland from UK under post-Brexit deal
08:49 , Harriette Boucher
Our Home Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft writes:
Just one asylum seeker was returned from the UK to Ireland under a post-Brexit deal signed in 2020 with ministers pledging to crack down on illegal migrants in Northern Ireland.
Government sources said immigration enforcement will now intensify efforts to track down, detain and remove illegal migrants from Northern Ireland following two days of anti-immigration riots in Belfast.
It emerged this week that Hadi Alodid, the suspect in the Belfast stabbing, claimed asylum in 2023 after travelling across the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland without a valid visa.
He was granted refugee status in the same year and given five years leave to remain in the UK. Alodid came to the UK via the Common Travel Area, which allows UK and Irish citizens to travel freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland without having documents checked.
Just one asylum seeker was returned to Ireland from UK under post-Brexit deal
