The family of the man wounded in Monday night's knife assault in North Belfast have expressed their dismay at the chaos seen on the streets of Belfast last night.
In a statement released through independent councillor Stafford Ward, the family of Stephen Ogilvie stated that they "want to make it clear that overnight unrest is not welcome." They also commended the local people who intervened to help the victim and requested that the public and the media respect their privacy. Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye in the attack.
Hadi Alodid, 30, has been held in custody at Belfast Magistrates' Court for four weeks after being charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Family statement
"We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover," the family said.
"We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him."
"We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident. We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward."
"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility."
"We are asking the media and the public to please give us some space. We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened."
Brave bystanders
Brave bystanders were forced to help stop the horror attack. Young dad Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, known as Matt, had just returned home after a night out when he came across the terrifying scene unfold. Matt charged towards the knifeman with a wooden hurley stick used in the Irish sport of hurling. Police later praised the actions of courageous members of the public and responding officers, which had "undoubtedly" saved the victim's life.
One neighbour, who gave his name only as Hugh, 70, told The Sun: "I've heard Stephen was the victim. He's lived here for around a year and a half... what's happened to him is absolutely horrendous and I'd never wish that on anybody."
Stephen reportedly lives in a first-floor flat in the area and his apartment window is boarded up after a rock was allegedly thrown through it during an incident last year.
Protests erupt
Protests erupted in the city on Tuesday night with homes, buses and bins set alight. People in balaclavas have been torching cars parked on residential streets and driveways, which appear to have caused three houses to catch fire.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Matt, who helped stop the attack on Monday.
