The PSNI says the violence seen in Belfast on Tuesday night was an 'act of self harm' on the North.

Masked gangs set fire to cars and buildings, forcing families to flee their homes.

The protests, and subsequent riots, broke out in response to a stabbing in Belfast on Monday night.

PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, is condemning Tuesday night's violent disorder.

" Last night was an act of self-harm by the people involved against the incredible communities in Northern Ireland.

"What we saw last night was an insult.

"It was an insult to the victim of the terrible attack. It was an insult to the members of the public who stepped forward courageously to stop that attack."

Belfast, Antrim, UK. 9th June, 2026. Belfast youths burn down a grocery store owned by an immigrant. Belfast erupted into flames as locals took to the streets to protest against the stabbing of a North Belfast man by a Sudanese national refugee. The protestors are demanding a stop to immigration into Northern Ireland. (Credit Image: © Lab Mo/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire)

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, described the violent scenes as “chilling”.

"The idea of masked men on the streets, homes being set on fire, and people being targeted on the basis of their race is a despicable, heinous crime.

"What we're after seeing overnight in Northern Ireland is chilling, deeply concerning, and unsettling.

"One can only imagine the absolute horror and fear that so many people must have felt last night, including so many children."

Belfast, UK. 09th June, 2026. One of many cars firebombed during an anti-immigration protest. Road blockades were set up all over Belfast bringing much of the city to a standstill. (Photo by Lab Mo/SOPA Images/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News

The violence was triggered following a stabbing incident in north Belfast on Monday night.

A man in his 40s was seriously injured following the attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area on Monday night at around 10.30pm.

30-year-old Hadi Alodid has since appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie.

The court also heard the victim of the attack has lost his left eye.

The Sudanese national was denied bail during a hearing on Wednesday morning. He was remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.

3EN5XG9 Belfast, Antrim, UK. 9th June, 2026. Northern Irish police cordon off a road that has been blockaded by protestors. Belfast erupted into flames as locals took to the streets to protest against the stabbing of a North Belfast man by a Sudanese national refugee. Road blockades were set up all over Belfast bringing much of the city to a standstill. The protestors are demanding a stop to immigration into Northern Ireland. (Credit Image: © Lab Mo/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire) EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY! Not for Commercial USAGE!

First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the violence across Northern Ireland on Tuesday night as “outright thuggery”.

Sinn Féin MLA for South Belfast, Deirdre Hargey, said the violent scenes were reminiscent of times gone by.

" I think anyone who watches and witnesses what happened last night would be completely disgusted by the actions of masked men going along houses and trying to identify people from a minority ethnic background, smashing windows, breaking into those homes, and setting those homes on fire.

"A number of houses across Belfast were actually burnt to the ground".

Political parties and the PSNI had appealed for calm on Tuesday, as details of the knife attack emerged.