Police call for mutual aid amid widespread violent clashes in Belfast | 9 News Australia

Breaking News: Shocking scenes of civil unrest have laid bare the aftermath of violent anti-immigration protests across Belfast, Northern Ireland. Families have been forced to flee their properties after terraced houses were intentionally set alight, while masked groups torched local vehicles and a public bus during a massive wave of localized violence. The chaos erupted following a violent knife attack in which a Sudanese national, identified as Haddy Aloded, allegedly stabbed a local man, causing catastrophic injuries that reportedly resulted in the victim losing an eye. The accused has since fronted court charged with attempted murder. While the victim’s family has explicitly condemned the ensuing riots, the incident sparked widespread anger, leading to running battles between rioters and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Local residents, including Ukrainian national Yara Navrotska, recalled the terrifying moment they had to escape the flames through back doors as fires engulfed neighbouring buildings. Speaking to the network, former Met Police officer Graham Wettone analysed the tactical challenges facing emergency services, noting how sporadic incidents initially spread across the whole of Belfast, stretching resources incredibly thin. To combat the rioting, authorities deployed water cannons and fire hoses to disperse crowds attempting to breach security gates. The escalating crisis has now forced Northern Irish police to request urgent "mutual aid" from the UK mainland, with at least 200 officers from England, Wales, and Scotland travelling over to bolster security numbers. Watch the full report for live aerial footage and analysis of the ongoing situation. Subscribe to keep watching for regular updates. | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU