Keir Starmer blasts 'shocking' scenes in Belfast and 'those who encouraged it' as he threatens protesters with 'full force of the law'

Sir Keir Starmer has blasted the "shocking" scenes in Belfast after unrest ripped through the Northern Irish city last night as mass protests broke out.

It was in response to a Sudanese migrant, Hadi Alodid, who was charged with attempted murder, with the Prime Minister threatening protesters with "full force of the law".

Protesters set fire to a bus in the city and firefighters had to remove residents from their homes on another street after flames spread to properties.

More than 200 masked men and youths broke off from a main gathering in Cloughfern to torch the bus, while several cars were seen ablaze later into the evening.

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Sir Keir also heavily criticised all "those who encouraged it" in a lengthy statement released on social media.

The Prime Minister wrote: "The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable.

"There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere.

"It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it."

He added: "Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.

"I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to convey my thanks to them and the frontline emergency services for their bravery in keeping people safe.

"I’ve also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to discuss the ongoing situation.

"Appealing for calm must be the priority, and that is what I urge now. We must let the police get on with their work."

MORE ON THE BELFAST STABBING

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Across the city, roads were blocked and vehicles were set alight.

While across the province as a whole, fire crews fielded 256 calls and reported to 62 incidents, the majority of which were in Belfast.

In east Belfast, masked groups approached locals with cameras - as well as a GB News crew - urging them firmly to leave and stop recording.

Residents with doorbell cameras are thought to have been told to turn them off ahead of the disorder.

Alodid has been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates' Court for four weeks after being charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie.

Mr Ogilvie, in his 40s and an NHS radiographer, was subject to a knife attack by a man in Belfast on Monday night.

The victim lost his left eye as a result of the attack, a court has heard.

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