Stakeholder Update on North Belfast Attempted Murder on 8 June 2026 and subsequent protest activity

Police release images following serious disorder

Police have released a number of images following serious disorder in Belfast. 

Police would like to speak with the people in these images in connection with serious public disorder on Tuesday (9th June) in the Belfast area.

The Op Exposure images and appeal can be viewed here: www.psni.police.uk/op-exposure-june-2026

Anyone with information can contacted police on 101. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ . 

Traffic and travel information is posted by the Police Service on X at @PoliceServiceNI and @NIRoadPolicing.

Information is also regularly updated on TrafficWatchNI 

Family of Stephen Ogilvie issue statement

“We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
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“We have witnessed a lot of false information circulating on social media which is now forcing us to clarify that our loved one is in fact in a stable condition, and we are solely focused on his recovery at this time.
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“We are also appealing to the media and the public to please give us some space. We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened via social media.

“We have been left feeling disgusted by the scenes that unfolded yesterday across Northern Ireland in the wake of what happened. We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward. We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including from within our healthcare system and hospitality sector, and we depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility - do not do this in the name of our loved one as we do not share the same values.
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“We also wish to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.

“If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police and stop sharing false information on social media, as it is deeply distressing.

“Thank you for respecting our privacy."

Road users urged to avoid Glengormley as missiles thrown at police

Police are dealing with public disorder in Glengormley this evening, Wednesday 10th June.

Road users and members of the public are asked to avoid the Antrim Road area, as a number of missiles, including bricks, bottles and masonry, have been thrown at police.

A bin has also been set alight.

The disorder comes following a protest in the area earlier this evening. Officers are in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Social media posts on addresses 'totally unacceptable' and may be criminal offence

We are aware that following recent disorder some social media users are posting address details online, or sharing these through communication apps. 

Highlighting properties in this way is totally unacceptable.  We have received phone calls from a number of families, house owners, neighbours and  members of the wider community who are extremely distressed as a result of this reckless activity.

This is unacceptable. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop.  

Anyone who shares personal information online with the intention to endanger others may be committing a criminal offence. Any person who publishes or distributes material which is threatening or abusive may also be committing an offence. We will be investigating any such posts which come to our attention.

Information from police following ongoing civil unrest and protest activity in Northern Ireland

There is personal safety information on our website which may be of help to anyone who is concerned about being vulnerable in light of current events.

The information is available here

Statement relating to images online

We acknowledge that the victim’s family have called for privacy at this time. 

Despite this we are aware of inaccurate images circulating claiming to be the victim after the attack. 

They are not related to anyone involved in the attempted murder. We believe these images are being used to arouse fear and hatred. 

We would reiterate that members of the public should not share footage of the attack.

We are receiving  significant calls from businesses in relation to the ongoing operation and requests for updates/guidance.

We currently have guidance for businesses during times of protests on our external web pages at Safeguarding Your Business During Public Events.  

We are undertaking ongoing engagement with the business community but please feel free to direct anyone who contacts you to this information.

Man charged following Belfast disorder

A 42 year old man was charged with riot, attempted criminal damage and assault on a police designated person.

He was due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10th June. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service

The charges are in relation to the disorder which occurred across Belfast on Tuesday 9th June. 

A Public Order Enquiry Team has been set up. All video and online footage is currently being reviewed with further arrests and charges to follow.

Disorder is an 'act of self harm' to communities: Chief Constable

Disorder on the streets of Northern Ireland is an “act of self-harm” to communities, the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has stated.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was commenting at a media facility with the Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast today.

It comes following a night of disorder across Northern Ireland with sporadic ‘pockets’ of disorder and damage across Northern Ireland on Tuesday night, 9th June, including in greater Belfast, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Greyabbey, Portadown, Armagh, Kilkeel, Bangor, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Enniskillen. 

The disorder followed the attempted of a murder of a man in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast, he remains in hospital with serious injuries.

“This disorder is an insult to the victim of this assault, an insult to the members of the public who bravely stepped forward to save his life and the officers who rushed to the scene,” the Chief Constable said.

“The criminal justice system needs to take its course. Let that follow due process. A man has appeared in court today charged with this attempted murder and, separately, another man has been charged with riot following the scenes in Newtownabbey. I’d appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to take control.

“If you have a niece, nephew, brother, sister or a member of your local sports club, if you’ve seen them at the disorder, stop them from coming out today. This has got to stop. We cannot have a society that allows this to happen."

The chief constable says PSNI officers “got in harm’s way” to stop people from getting intimidated or assaulted on Tuesday night.

A large policing presence across Northern Ireland will be maintained in the days ahead to reassure communities and ensure public order.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "As part of my forward planning I have now activated the request for Mutual Aid resources from policing colleagues to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days to come.

“We witnessed businesses and homes being attacked and damaged, along with cars, a police car and a Glider set on fire. As a result, many people are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods. A number of families, including a parent carrying their two-month-old baby, left their homes during the height of the disturbances.

“Police officers came under attack and two were injured as a result. Water cannon was used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey during the course of our public safety operation.  

“Three individuals have been arrested so far in Belfast and Newtownabbey with more to come. We have set up our Public Order Enquiry Team. This same team structure resulted in over 100 arrests following last year’s race-motivated disorder in Ballymena which cost around £5.6 million to police. All video and online footage is currently being reviewed and I assure you that further arrests and prosecutions will come.

“I urge those involved or considering becoming involved in disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted over and potentially throwing away your future? Or the future of your children?

“I am appealing for calm over the coming days and again, urge anyone considering becoming involved in violence and disorder to think long and hard to think about the repercussions for themselves and their community.

"I understand that people have real concerns, but violence and harming your own communities is not the way. We need calm, considered approaches.

“We are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland. A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.

“To those who might wish to protest and have their voice heard in the days ahead, please do so peacefully and lawfully.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ 

Man charged in connection with disorder

The first person charged over recent disorder is to appear in court today. 

The man aged 39 has been charged with riot. He was arrested in Newtownabbey on Tuesday night, 9th June 2026.

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Wednesday 10th June.

As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

A Public Order Enquiry Team has been set up. All video and online footage is currently being reviewed with further arrests and charges to follow.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson calls for calm across Northern Ireland.

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. We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. 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.”

Detectives charge man to court following north Belfast knife attack

Detectives investigating a knife attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday 8th June have charged a 30 year old man with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill. 

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 10th June. 

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson updates on attempted murder investigation

A Sudanese man remains in custody this afternoon, Tuesday 9th June, on suspicion of the attempted murder of a man in north Belfast.

At a media facility at Police Service of Northern Ireland headquarters in Belfast, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim and his family. Detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.

“He is in hospital with serious injuries to his eyes and slash-wound injuries to his back and face."

ACC Ryan Henderson speaking to media at police headquarters.

“It is also important to acknowledge the bravery of those members of the public who ran before danger to intervene and help the injured man.

“The PSNI position is to provide as much verified information to the public as possible as our investigation continues.

“It happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area on Monday night at around 10.30pm. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the report to detain and arrest the suspect and administer first aid. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended a short time later.

“The victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries. The suspect - a man in his 30s, who we now understand to be Sudanese - was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

“He is in custody and at this time we not seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation.

“I share the public’s revulsion over the brutal nature of this attack which has created concern across Northern Ireland and further afield. I also understand that there are questions regarding the nature of the attack.

“Throughout today we have been liaising with senior counter-terrorism officials.  Due to the nature of the attack, at the stage we have no information to suggest this was terrorist-related.  However, we are still at the early stages of our investigation.

“This brutal attack will understandably have sent shockwaves through the community. I want to reassure all our communities, safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.

“We understand that there is considerable posting on social media. People have questions and real concerns. But we would ask that the public are mindful of what they view or share online. By sharing footage, this could risk causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation.

“We are aware of calls for protest activity across Northern Ireland this evening and continue to monitor the situation and plan accordingly.

“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to angry. I appeal for calm today. Everyone in Northern Ireland will sadly remember the disorder which took place over the last two years.

“No one needs to see a repeat of this – this only causes damage to local communities and unfortunately young people often get caught up in this disorder. We have one individual arrested who is currently going through the criminal justice process.

“The public can expect to see an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening to help, support and reassure all our communities and keep them safe.

“I recognise at difficult time like this, the public will be looking to us for answers, information and reassurance.  I and my teams are committed that as best as we during this fast time investigation to provide, clear, factual and accurate information to all our communities across Northern Ireland."

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Man injured following attempted murder in north Belfast remains in serious condition

We understand there are strong community concerns after last night’s shocking attempted murder in north Belfast. We are aware of  inaccurate online posts regarding the victim's condition. We can confirm that the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital.

As our investigation has progressed, we can also confirm that the man in custody is Sudanese and not Somalian, as initially believed.

This is a fast-time investigation and we will continue to provide further updates to the public in due course.

Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in north Belfast

A man in his 30s, believed to be Somalian, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault involving a knife in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday night, 8th June, shortly after 10.30pm.

He remains in police custody. The injured man, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious. The attack has left the man with significant injuries to his face, neck and back.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident.  We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive.

“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness. Our investigation is continuing at pace. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.

"Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.

"We are also aware of footage circulating online and we would strongly urge members of the public not to share or repost these images. Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time.

“As our investigation continues we will provide further updates.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Man arrested in north Belfast following report of a stabbing incident

Police in north Belfast are currently in attendance at Kinnaird Avenue following the report of a stabbing incident shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June.

A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is in police custody while a second man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Officers will remain in the area to conduct their enquiries and would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, to call them at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/