'I'll never get over watching my home burn': Belfast residents reel after night of unrest

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. I will never get over watching my home of 13 years burn down10 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleCiarán McCauleyBBC News NIBBCJamie Corrie says his home is ruinedFamilies in Belfast, including one with a two-month-old baby, are counting the cost of Tuesday night's violence after being forced to flee their homes in the face of fires. A number of houses were ablaze across the city after a night of disorder amid protests that followed a knife attack. One man, whose home of 13 years was destroyed by fire, said watching it burn down was "a feeling I'll never get over".

Jamie Corrie, speaking outside the burnt out remains of his house on Lendrick Street in east Belfast, said by the time firefighters arrived his house was "already engulfed in flames". A Glider bus was set alight by rioters - it is still smouldering so has not yet been removedCorrie said his house caught fire after a car belonging to "foreign nationals" who lived next door was set on fire. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old originally from Sudan, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over an attack that caused serious injuries to the victim, including a lost eye.

The Details

The family of the victim, Stephen Ogilvy, has appealed for "peaceful protest as the only way forward" and said there are "many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our society". On Tuesday night, houses, cars and a bus were set on fire and all public transport was suspended in the city. A pastor who was assisting families attacked in north Belfast said they were being put out "because they're black".

Live updates: Belfast knife attack suspect appears in court, as police say victim has lost an eyeThree arrested after Glasgow disorder following Belfast knife attackWhat we know about Belfast attack and disorderThree people have been arrested over the Belfast violence, while three people have also been arrested in Scotland with an assistant chief constable there saying people were "attacked because of the colour of their skin". Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said political leaders are "calling for calm", with authorities in Northern Ireland braced for possible protests and disruption on Wednesday. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police will be on the streets on Wednesday night in greater numbers.

What about schools and public transport? Services will be suspended, with buses stopping at 17:00 and trains at 18:00 on Wednesday. Some schools in Belfast and the surrounding areas have closed early but the department has said that there is no blanket decision to close all schools.

The advice remains that efforts should be made to minimise disruption to students, with exams going ahead. However they added that school leaders should monitor developments in their areas and take any actions deemed necessary based on local circumstances. What happened to people caught up in the violence?

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.