Belfast Anti-Immigration Protest: Bus Set Ablaze, Transport Suspended After Knife Attack
An anti-immigration protest in Belfast saw a Glider bus set on fire, prompting Translink to suspend all Belfast public transport services. The demonstration followed a knife attack where a 30-year-old Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder. Authorities urged calm amid concerns over violence.
Protesters set a Glider bus on fire on Newtownards Road in east Belfast during an anti-immigration demonstration. Masked individuals ignited commercial bins and pushed them into the bus. This incident led Translink, Northern Ireland's public transport operator, to suspend all Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus, and Goldliner services operating in and out of Belfast, condemning the attack.
The protest was organized in response to a knife attack on Monday night in Belfast. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and threats to kill in connection with the attack, which left one man in serious condition. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.
Police and political leaders had appealed for calm, with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warning against social media influence. An increased police presence is planned across Northern Ireland to ensure safety and monitor protest activities.