Family of Belfast knife victim say 'unrest is not welcome' as extra police brought onto streets - follow live

Locals reeling after night of disorder in Belfast - what we've heard today so far

Image source, PA Media Image caption, Burnt out cars and boarded up houses on McMaster Street in east Belfast

Residents, politicians and emergency services are reflecting on a night of violent disorder in Belfast last night which saw cars, homes and a bus set on fire. Here's a recap of what we've heard this morning:

The overnight violence has been met with widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer who described the chaos as "shocking and completely unacceptable".

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill said groups showed "disgusting cowardice" by "burning families out of their homes", while Reform UK's Richard Tice condemned the violence and called for calm.

PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher added the disorder was a "huge act of self-harm by mindless idiots" and called on people to prevent further violence.

As rioters took to the streets, some residents were forced to leave their homes amid the violence. A young African family living in the area for 20 years moved after their windows were smashed, while a Ukrainian family fled with their dog when their front door caught on fire.

Another resident recalled watching his home going up in flames, saying "that’s a feeling I’ll never get over".

Elsewhere, a two-month-old baby was rescued by police officers during the violence, while a 70-year-old man with dementia ended up in hospital because a brick went through his window.

The suspected attacker, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, has appeared in court in Belfast charged with attempted murder. He is also charged with possession of a knife in a public place and threats to kill an NHS worker.

Hadi Alodid, with an address in Duncairn Avenue in north Belfast, appeared via video link at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and was remanded into custody.

The court was also told the victim, named as Stephen Ogilvy, who is in his 40s, has lost his left eye following the attack and remains in hospital.