The family of Stephen Ogilvie, who was severely injured in a Belfast knife attack, has urged for calm amidst rising tensions and unrest in the city. Following the incident, which left Ogilvie in hospital and resulted in the arrest of a suspect, riots erupted, fueled by social media calls for protests. The family expressed their devastation over the attack but emphasized that unrest and division are unwelcome responses.
They highlighted the importance of peaceful protest and acknowledged the valuable contributions of migrants to the UK, particularly in sectors like healthcare. Their statement comes as the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack and the subsequent violence that has marred the city.
The judge overseeing the suspect’s case condemned the attacks on emergency services and warned that those participating in the unrest could face serious consequences. This judicial stance aims to deter further violence and protect community safety.
Ogilvie’s family thanked local residents and emergency responders for their swift actions during the attack, which they believe saved his life. They have requested privacy as they focus on supporting Ogilvie’s recovery and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to the police.
Source: The Guardian
