A dozen police officers were injured and 16 people arrested as Northern Ireland experienced a second consecutive night of unrest following a knife attack in Belfast. The violence, which erupted in Co Antrim on Wednesday night, saw masked mobs throwing bricks and petrol bombs at riot officers, who were forced to deploy water cannons.
Northern Ireland Secretary Condemns Violence
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn expressed relief that the violence was less severe than Tuesday's events but strongly condemned the 'racist thuggery' that has swept parts of the region since Monday's stabbing. The attack left victim Stephen Ogilvie fighting for his life after losing his left eye.
Details of the Disorder
Footage captured dozens of men dressed in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road. They were seen tearing bricks from properties and smashing paving stones with sledgehammers to create projectiles to throw at police. Rioters also attempted to set fire to a derelict property near a petrol station in Newtownabbey and threw petrol bombs at police lines, while some took wheelie bins from outside homes and set them alight.
In Londonderry, police reported items set on fire on Ardmore Road. A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was left in flames as violent protesters clashed with officers near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey.
Victim's Family Reacts
The family of Stephen Ogilvie said they were 'disgusted' by the disorder. Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder over Monday's knife attack. The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire in Belfast on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.
Police Appeal
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) appealed for assistance in identifying individuals in images connected to Tuesday night's disorder and urged those pictured to come forward.
