Belfast stabbing latest: Protesters set bus on fire as man charged with attempted murder

A senior police officer said police were dealing with “occasional disorders” in various parts of Northern Ireland.

Demonstrations continue following the stabbing attack in Belfast on Monday night.

Deputy Chief Constable Ryan Henderson of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Sparse disturbances have occurred in various parts of Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents where a number of vehicles were set on fire.

“We urge everyone to remain calm, act responsibly and avoid any activity that could put themselves or others at risk.”

Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan said any violence at anti-immigration demonstrations would distract from the protesters’ message.

Mr Givan attended a protest in Lisburn on Tuesday evening following a stabbing attack in Belfast on Monday night.

While hundreds of people were marching in the city, the police stopped traffic on some roads. Some of those participating in the march had masks on their faces.

Mr Givan said: “There is real shock about what happened last night. I think it has sent shock waves through the community.

“What we witnessed here in Lisburn was a peaceful protest because people felt their voices were not being listened to, especially when it comes to uncontrolled immigration in the UK and the island of Ireland.”

He added: “It is important that people act peacefully to ensure that key issues around immigration can be heard and that we are not distracted by any form of violence.

“This is just a distraction. People should express their views peacefully.”

Translink, Northern Ireland’s public transport operator, which suspended services, said: “We fully condemn this attack on our service.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and all Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services (operating in and out of Belfast) have been suspended.

“We are in close contact with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance.”

In Belfast, protesters set a bus on fire and pushed a burning wheelie bin inside.

Groups of people, many wearing hoodies, were wandering the street.

Many cars were blocked from entering the M2 motorway in Belfast, near Yorkgate, because people in dark clothing stood in front of them, bringing traffic to a standstill, the BBC reported.

In Southampton, dozens of police were deployed to prevent protesters marching from Highfield House Hotel from advancing along Portswood Road.

After counterprotesters left the area, demonstrators marched down the road, chanting slogans and waving banners, blocking traffic as they went.

To stop the crowd from advancing further, a line of police officers blocked their way, and the group stopped and began chanting “I can’t breathe.”

More officers then joined their colleagues before the group turned and walked back along the road.

Crowds gather at venues in Belfast following the stabbing attack.

There are lots of people on Newtownards Road in the east of the city.

A crowd is also gathering near the Crumlin Road junction.

Following the attack on Monday night, calls were made on social media for protests to be held in Northern Ireland.