World News for Students of English

15-06-2026 07:00

A second night of riots broke out in Northern Ireland following a violent knife attack in North Belfast.

The violence started after a 44-year-old local man, Steven Ogilvie, was attacked by a Sudanese immigrant. The victim lost his left eye and suffered severe injuries. The 30-year-old suspect was arrested and has since appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

Following the attack, crowds gathered to protest, and the demonstrations quickly turned into violent riots. People threw bricks, bottles, and pieces of wood at police officers. The unrest caused disruptions across the region, and led to early closures of schools, businesses, and workplaces. Public transport was completely shut down, and Belfast city center was deserted by the afternoon as shop owners shuttered their windows. Riot police had to use a water cannon and draft in additional officers to disperse a crowd of at least 200 people at a major roundabout.

While political leaders and the victim’s family strongly condemned the arson and violence, social media was filled with false information that fueled further hostility. The victim’s family issued a statement in which they thanked the brave locals who saved Steven’s life, and asked people not to use this tragedy to fuel hostility or divide communities.

Difficult words: deserted (empty of people, with nobody around in a town or building), arson (the criminal act of intentionally starting a fire to destroy a house, car, or building), hostility (very unfriendly, angry, or aggressive behavior and feelings towards others).

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