Health Minister says disorder is a ‘stain’ on Northern Ireland’s reputation

The politician’s comments came after violent demonstrations were held across Northern Ireland in the wake of a stabbing attack in Belfast.

Speaking to BBC’s The View, Mr Nesbitt referred to widely shared video footage showing a family “being bundled into the back of a police Land Rover”.

He said: “I am told that the mum is a nurse…That’s why what happened is a stain on Northern Ireland’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.”

The disorder broke out after a knife attack in north Belfast in which Stephen Ogilvie, who is aged in his 40s, lost an eye.

Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged with attempted murder over the incident.

Alodid entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border by bus in February 2023, having flown to Dublin from Paris.

He then claimed asylum upon arrival and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.

The targeting of healthcare workers in Belfast during the recent riots was condemned by PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson earlier this week.

Speaking to reporters, he referred to the “disgraceful threats and intimidation directed to our nurses, doctors, carers and healthcare staff, men and women who work every day to save lives and care for our sick relatives, they are the backbone of our public service”.

On Tuesday night, mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire in Belfast, with people targeted based on their race.

Water cannons were deployed in Co Antrim on Wednesday after police were pelted with bricks and a Department for Infrastructure vehicle was left in flames.

There was also serious unrest in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Twelve police officers were injured on Wednesday evening.

Mr Henderson told reporters earlier this week that Thursday night witnessed a de-escalation of tensions.

On Saturday, the PSNI said that it had arrested 23 people over the disorder – and that more are expected to follow.

A Together Against Hate rally took place outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday afternoon with speakers including leader of the Opposition SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole and Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Belfast Rois-Maire Donnelly.

An estimated 3,000 demonstrators attended the protest, during which crowds chanted “who is Belfast, we are Belfast” and “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.

One spokesperson said the demonstration was the largest anti-racism gathering they had seen in Belfast.

Meanwhile, two men have been arrested after criminal damage was caused to a property and vehicle in the Donegall Avenue area of south Belfast on Sunday in what is being treated as a “racially motivated hate crime”.

The PSNI said it received reports shortly before 1.10am that a number of males had approached a house and begun shouting in an aggressive manner at the occupants as they tried to leave the property.

The force said the group then confronted the residents and attacked them, resulting in injuries to two people and damage to the property.

It is believed a number of weapons may have been used in the incident, police said.

Inspector Wilson said: “A woman and a number of young children were inside the property at the time of the incident, which at this time is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.”

A man in his 40s, and a man in his 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of a number of related offences. They remain in custody.

Police are also appealing for information and witnesses following an arson incident at a house in north Belfast in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Sergeant Stevenson said: “At approximately 4.25am, it was reported that masonry was thrown through windows at a property in the Glenbank Place area of Ballysillan, and the curtains set alight.

“Some damage was caused to the property as a result of the incident, however thankfully there were no reports of any injuries.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident, which is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime at this time.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have any information which might assist us to contact 101, and quote reference number 314 of 14/06/26.”