Key facts
- Anti-immigrant violence erupted in Belfast, targeting minority homes and businesses.
- The unrest followed a viral video of a stabbing, leading to random attacks on ethnic minorities.
- The violence is compared to Northern Ireland's historical "Troubles" and a rise in racism.
- Hundreds of protesters were involved, with some properties, including a home and a bus, being torched.
- Police recorded a significant increase in race incidents and crimes in the year to March 2026.
Northern Ireland is experiencing a surge in anti-immigrant violence, with hundreds of masked protesters attacking ethnic minority homes and businesses in Belfast. The unrest, which saw properties including a home and a bus torched, echoes the region's history of sectarian conflict known as the "Troubles." The violence was reportedly sparked by a viral video of a stabbing, leading to random targeting of minorities, according to police and politicians.
Residents like Jamie Corry described the harrowing experience of watching their homes burn. Despite the personal devastation, some expressed a degree of understanding for the public's anger, referencing the stabbing of a local man. However, religious leaders, such as Reverend Brian Anderson, warned against such violence, stating it takes the region back to "the old days."
Official statistics indicate a rising tide of racism in Northern Ireland, with a significant increase in race incidents and crimes recorded in the year to March 2026, surpassing sectarian incidents. Migrants, such as Anselme Shima, expressed fear for their safety, leading some to remain indoors and avoid taking their children to school.