Residents evacuate as Belfast protesters set homes and vehicles on fire as disorder erupts after knife attack

News | UK Belfast in flames: 'Thuggery' condemned as homes and cars set on fire amid uproar after knife attack Homes set ablaze and bus torched in a night of mayhem in Northern Ireland Michael Howie, Senior News Editor|Matt Watts, News Editor|Megan Howe, News Reporter2 minutes ago COMMENTS Police and political leaders have appealed for calm after disorder erupted in Belfast amid protests over a stabbing attack in the city. Homes were set ablaze and a bus torched in a night of mayhem in Northern Ireland. It came as a Sudanese man arrested on suspicion of Monday’s knife attack faced an attempted murder charge. The 30-year-old accused is also charged with possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Anti-immigration demonstrations took place across Northern Ireland following Monday night’s incident. A senior officer said police in the region were currently dealing with “sporadic pockets of disorder” in a number of locations. Vehicles were set on fire . It came as a large crowd gathered in the area. Translink, which operates public transport services in the region, condemned the incident and said all bus and train services were being suspended for the evening. There were multiple reports of roads being blocked and vehicles being set alight in Belfast and some other areas. In Lendrick Street in Belfast, several cars were set alight and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service officers had to remove some residents from houses after they caught fire. A number of houses and vehicles were ablaze near the Ligoniel Road area of Belfast. Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said a police car had been set on fire in Portadown. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire. Firefighters attend a house which caught fire on Ligoniel Road as disorder flared PA/PA Wire “We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. England supporters warned over risks of late-night World Cup matches Fake phone chargers filled with modelling clay sold “Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe. “We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder.” Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long said some people had ignored calls for calm.