Clashes across UK as far-right and anti-racist protesters take to streets after Belfast riots
Far-right and anti-racism activists faced off in Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow, capping a week of unrest triggered by a knife attack in Belfast.
Week of disorder
A knife attack in Belfast on Monday evening left Stephen Ogilvie, 44, with a serious eye injury. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national who claimed asylum in 2023, was charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody on Wednesday. The incident sparked riots in Belfast, with homes and vehicles set alight. Earlier this month, five people were jailed for violent disorder after protests in Southampton over the death of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student mistakenly arrested over false racism claims while dying from stab wounds inflicted by Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh.
- Stephen Ogilvie, 44, loses an eye in a knife attack in Belfast; Hadi Alodid, 30, a Sudanese national, is charged with attempted murder.
- Riots break out in Belfast: homes and vehicles set on fire. An anti-immigration protest in Glasgow leaves two officers and three others injured; mosque locks worshippers inside.
- Alodid appears at Belfast Magistrates' Court and is remanded in custody.
- Far-right and anti-racist protests in Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow; multiple arrests.
Saturday's protests
On Saturday afternoon, far-right groups and anti-racist counter-protesters faced off in Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow. In Sheffield, the anti-immigration group Raise the Colours held a protest; five people were arrested, including four for public order offences and a 17-year-old for allegedly attacking an emergency worker.
The operation was complicated by a counter-protest group which did not adhere to conditions in place.
Glasgow standoff
Thousands attended a Stand Up To Racism rally in Glasgow city centre, marching along Buchanan Street. They were met by a smaller group of far-right counter-protesters, many masked, who clashed with police. Projectiles were thrown and anti-Islam chants heard. Footage circulating online showed at least one man performing a Nazi-style salute. Several politicians, including Labour MSPs Paul Sweeney and Pauline McNeill, Green MSPs Iris Duane and Holly Bruce, former SNP equalities minister Kaukab Stewart, and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, joined the anti-racism side. Police Scotland confirmed a “significant operation” was in place.
We did warn that officers would respond decisively and robustly to keep communities safe and I want to thank the public for their patience while the demonstration.
Police and community response
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell stated before the protests that large numbers were expected and a significant policing operation would be deployed.
In Brighton, more than 20 anti-racist groups, including DJ Fatboy Slim, took part in the Carnival Against Fascism counter-protest, while the far-right South East Patriots called for stronger border controls. Minor skirmishes were reported near Brighton railway station.Our role is to facilitate lawful activity, protect the public and respond appropriately to any incidents that may arise.
Underlying tensions
The simultaneous demonstrations highlight heightened tensions over immigration and race following the Belfast and Southampton incidents. Organisers of the Glasgow anti-racism rally described the event as a “day for celebration, not hate.” Police have launched investigations into reported hate crimes and issued dispersal orders.
