Crowds protest in Lisburn city centre following brutal knife attack in North Belfast

Protests were held across Northern Ireland following the arrest of Sudanese man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder after a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast.

A man injured in the attack, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious.

Local politicians attended the protest in Lisburn, which saw a large number of people walk around the city centre, raising “growing concerns about illegal immigration”.

Councillor Gary Hynds praised the people of Lisburn for the peaceful nature of the protest.

"Thank you to the huge crowds who came out in Lisburn to peacefully make their voices heard following the horrific and barbaric attempted murder in North Belfast,” he said.

"Many ordinary people feel angry, frustrated and increasingly ignored when raising concerns around illegal immigration, border control, community safety, pressure on housing, overstretched public services and wider community cohesion.

"For too long, successive Governments, the Home Office, sections of the political establishment, parts of the mainstream media and some local political parties have too often dismissed, attacked or talked down to those expressing these concerns instead of engaging with them honestly and respectfully.

"I know myself from raising these issues within the council chamber and elsewhere that certain local parties would rather ridicule or shut down these discussions than properly address the substance of what many ordinary people are saying.

"Whether people agree or disagree, these concerns exist within many communities and continually ignoring them only deepens public frustration and mistrust.

"A country must have secure borders, fair immigration policies and safe communities. These are legitimate issues for the public to raise and debate.

"The protest remained peaceful and responsible, and I would continue to urge for lawful conduct at all times. Do not allow genuine public anger and concern to be hijacked or undermined.

“The Labour Government, local political parties here in Northern Ireland and the wider establishment now need to start listening seriously to concerns many ordinary people have been expressing for years.”

Alderman Paul Porter was also in attendance and commented: “Thank you to the huge crowds who came out in Lisburn to show their disgust and abhorrence at the events that took place in North Belfast last night.

"Mass, uncontrolled illegal immigration policies have led to growing frustration and concern among many people. A country that cannot control its borders or keep its citizens safe is letting the public down.

"I would appeal for calm at this time and for all protests to remain peaceful.”

As violence broke out in other areas of Northern Ireland, Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan, who also attended the protest in Lisburn, commended local people for keeping the protest peaceful.

He said: “While on the ground, I heard first-hand the concern and anxiety many people are feeling following the serious incident in North Belfast.

"I also heard significant frustration at the failure of successive governments to address longstanding issues within our immigration system.

"People are entitled to have their concerns heard and their views represented.

"That is why DUP colleagues and I will continue to raise and articulate the issues many people are expressing in respect of immigration and border control.”