In Belfast, groups of masked radicals attacked several properties and vehicles on the night of 9–10 June in an attempt to intimidate immigrants, the police have concluded.

Witnesses say that the hundred or so perpetrators said their aim was “getting foreigners out”.

A family of African origin who have lived in Northern Ireland for over 20 years had to flee their home as they watched the rioters smash their windows. Another family from Ukraine also had to leave their home urgently after it was set on fire.

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The government and the police have condemned the riots in the strongest possible terms. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has said it is “clear” that the rioters attacked people on the basis of their background, something “that we will not tolerate”.

The night of violence on the streets, particularly in the Greater Belfast area, was sparked by a knife attack by a man of Sudanese origin two days earlier, against a National Health Service worker who has suffered serious injuries. The alleged attacker was due to appear in court today, Wednesday, charged with attempted murder.

The violent retaliation, which was captured in photographs showing, also involved setting fire to cars, a bus and rubbish bins. Emergency services said they had to respond to 62 incidents.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said that “groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice”

“Many are afraid, many are angry, please pray”

Paul Coulter, Lead Apologist at the Centre for Christianity in Society, has been one of the many Christians to react to what is happening in his region.

“Please bring Northern Ireland before the Lord. Like many who live here, I have been grieving over the past 24 hours at two horrific scenes: a brutal knife attack and the burning out of a family from their home. These events have shaken us deeply”, he wrote on his Facebook profile.

“Many are afraid — people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people from the two historic communities alike. Many are angry — understandably so, yet anger easily feeds deeper currents of alienation, resentment, disenfranchisement, hopelessness and, in some cases, blatant racism. Many are asking what kind of future is possible — longing for a society where we can live together in peace, but unsure what values we share or what can unify us across our differences. That very question is the long-term challenge for Northern Ireland, and has been for centuries, not just since more recent waves of immigration”.

“Pray for an end to violence and intimidation. Pray for calm reflection and moderation. Pray for courage for leaders, neighbours, churches, and communities to do the hard work of forging a shared future. Pray, above all, for people to come to know Christ, in whom justice and love, grace and truth, dignity and responsibility meet”.

“Leaders of diaspora churches are concerned”

Laura Sanlon, a Christian missionary and researcher, also originally from Northern Ireland, likewise called for prayer in the face of the “horrific violence in some areas”.

She described the feeling of insecurity of many in the city, with shops closed and certain public transport services suspended.

“The situation is very worrying. We know from past experience how an event like this can incite violence and is often used as an excuse for violence”.

Sanlon, together with other members of Intercultural Ministries Ireland, organised an urgent online prayer meeting in which around 50 people took part.

“We are trusting in God for this situation and for calm and peace,” she says. “This situation is causing a great deal of fear amongst all the nationalities living here. Leaders of diaspora churches are also concerned. We are praying for them and for peace instead of fear. We are praying that this will be an opportunity for many to seek God for answers and help”.