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‘They are thugs thriving on division’: residents voice disgust and shame at Belfast rioters

12 June 2026 at 10:00

People tell of feeling alienated in own city, disruption to daily life including healthcare, and frustration with politicians

Belfast residents have reacted with anger and disgust at the disorder in the city in response to a an online callout by the Guardian.

People were asked if they had been affected by the unrest sparked by the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie in the city earlier in the week.

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© Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

© Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

© Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

Disorder in Belfast ‘stoked by those who would struggle to find the city on a map’

10 June 2026 at 08:53

Northern Ireland’s justice minister says online ‘bad faith actors’ have incited racism in city after knife attack

The disorder in Belfast was fuelled by people online who would have struggled to find the city on a map before a recent stabbing attack, a senior Northern Ireland minister has said.

Naomi Long, the minister of justice of Northern Ireland and leader of the Alliance party, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “bad faith actors” had incited racism in the city.

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© Photograph: PA

© Photograph: PA

© Photograph: PA

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