Bus set on fire in Belfast as protesters gather amid anti-immigration unrest

Disorder flared in east Belfast on Tuesday as protesters set fire to a Glider bus during an anti-immigration demonstration. The protest was organized in response to a knife attack in the city the previous night, which left a man in serious condition. A 30-year-old Sudanese national has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack.

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There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe.

Crowds began gathering at various locations across Belfast and beyond for planned protests. Police commanders and political leaders urged calm, concerned that anti-immigration demonstrations in Northern Ireland could turn violent. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher cautioned the public against being influenced by social media, stating that an increased police presence would be deployed to ensure safety and provide reassurance.

"There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe," Boutcher said. He also appealed for mindfulness regarding online content, noting that sharing footage could traumatize the injured man's family and impact the investigation.

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Sharing footage risks causing further trauma to the injured man's family and loved ones, and may impact on this investigation.

The man arrested in connection with the knife attack faces charges including attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and threats to kill. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

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We are aware, of course, of protest activity being discussed across Northern Ireland this evening, and we continue to monitor this very carefully.