Do not use our tragedy to fuel violence, family of Belfast attack victim say

Burnt-out cars and houses in east Belfast after violence broke out in response to a stabbing in the city. Photograph: Hannah Al-Othman/The Guardian

The family of the victim of the Belfast knife attack have appealed for calm after riots erupted across the city, forcing families from their homes in fear for their lives.

Amid apprehension in Northern Ireland about continued violence after Monday’s disturbances, Stephen Ogilvie’s family said in a statement that they wanted to “make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome”.