Belfast knife attack victim left in coma but in 'stable condition', new family statement reveals

The family of the Belfast knife attack victim have said he is in hospital but in "stable condition".

Mr Ogilvie, who survived the attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of Belfast, is understood to be in an induced coma.

The statement, issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), was made in order address "false information" which was circulating on social media, the family said.

"We have witnessed a lot of false information circulating on social media, which is now forcing us to clarify that our loved one is in fact in a stable condition, and we are solely focused on his recovery at this time," they said.

The family added they were "disgusted" by the second night of disorder which they did not support, and again hailed the "many migrants" who "contribute to the country".

They said: "We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward.

"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including from within 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 - do not do this in the name of our loved one as we do not share the same values."

Their condemnations come as a second night of unrest has seen buses and derelict properties lit on fire.

Police sprayed protesters with water cannons as they were pelted with bricks and petrol bombs by the masked protesters in County Antrim.

The family also praised the intervention of local people during the attack, adding their "quick actions absolutely saved his life".

"We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him," they added.

More to follow...