Belfast attack victim's family releases statement as further protests expected to rock Northern Ireland
The family of the victim of Monday night's stabbing in Belfast have spoken out, thanking the emergency services and people who stepped in to stop the attack.
Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye in the knife attack and has sustained deep cuts to his head, face and back.
Hadi Alodid, 30, a Sudanese migrant from Duncairn Avenue in Belfast, has been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates' Court, where he will remain for four weeks until his trial on July 8.
Alodid has been charged with threats to kill, attempted murder and possession of a blade.
The family of Mr Ogilvie issued their statement through Phillip Brett, a DUP member of the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland.
It read: "We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
"We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment.
"We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him."
The statement addressed the protests: "We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident.
"We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.
"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.
"We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility."
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Further protests and major disruptions are expected in the city today.
Northern Ireland public transport operator Translink said no buses would depart after 5pm, and train departures would stop at 6pm “due to expected protests".
Multiple schools, shops, and city centre businesses have closed early today due to public safety concerns.
The Prime Minister has called the unrest "totally unjustified" while thanking the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other first responders.
During PMQ's today, he added: "Let me be clear, the acts of violence and arson that followed are totally unjustified.
“This morning I spoke with the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the Chief Constable, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is meeting leaders in Belfast today.
“We are united in calling for calm and determined to restore order, support the police and all those on the front line, and ensure that justice is done.”
The family also made a plea for privacy following the attack: "We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened.
"If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police. Thank you for respecting our privacy."
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