Northern Ireland Riots Escalate as Violence Spreads Across Belfast and Police Warn Over Online Threats

Violence continued to grip parts of Northern Ireland on Wednesday night as fresh riots broke out following the Belfast knife attack, prompting a major police response and widespread disruption across affected communities.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed water cannons in parts of Co Antrim after officers came under attack from protesters throwing bricks and other projectiles.

A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was set on fire near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, north-west of Belfast, as unrest escalated. Demonstrators reportedly gathered in large numbers and confronted police lines during the disorder.

Footage from the scene showed groups of men dressed in black with face coverings gathering on the Antrim Road. Some were seen removing bricks from buildings and breaking paving stones with sledgehammers, apparently to use as missiles. Others were seen taking wheelie bins from outside homes and setting them alight in the street.

As tensions continued, the family of Stephen Ogilvie, who was injured in the knife attack earlier in the week, confirmed he is in a stable condition. They also condemned the ongoing violence, saying they were “feeling disgusted” by the continued unrest and urging an immediate end to the disorder.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters attempting to march towards the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and multiple police vans deployed to contain the situation.

The unrest has led to widespread disruption, with several shops and schools closing early on Wednesday and sending staff and pupils home. Some city centre businesses also shut or instructed employees to work remotely due to safety concerns.

Earlier in the day, a Sudanese man appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with the stabbing incident that triggered the unrest.

Meanwhile, police have warned over the circulation of a so-called “hit list” of Belfast addresses being shared online, calling it “totally unacceptable” and potentially criminal.

A PSNI spokesperson said officers are aware of social media posts sharing private addresses and warned that such actions are placing communities at serious risk.

“Highlighting properties in this way is totally unacceptable. We have received calls from distressed families, neighbours and members of the community. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop,” the spokesperson said.

They added that individuals sharing threatening or abusive material online may be committing a criminal offence and confirmed that investigations into such posts are ongoing.