The aftermath of a knife attack. The disturbing course of the protests
Anti-immigrant groups used social media to call for mass demonstrations across the province. The situation is escalating and a city bus has been set on fire. According to the “Belfast Telegraph” daily, they were supposed to break into it and take control of it.
Individual vehicles in various parts of the city are also set on fire. The protesters also allegedly threw various objects at the police.
According to a Sky News correspondent's report from the scene, protesters also started setting fire to buildings, including: middle eastern supermarket. There is a fear that the night may bring further dangerous incidents – especially since some protest participants are wearing balaclavas and it will be difficult to determine their identity.
The police fear escalation
A few hours earlier, the head of the Northern Ireland Police (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, fearing a possible escalation, appealed not to let the demonstrations turn into riots similar to those that occurred in the region in 2024 and 2025.
– Don't let people who have no idea about Northern Ireland influence the behavior of its inhabitants from a distance, through social media – he appealed.
