‘I’ll Never Get Over It’ — Families Flee as Fires Destroy Homes During Belfast Unrest

Fires and disorder in Belfast on Tuesday night forced families to flee their homes, damaged businesses and left residents shaken. Several houses and vehicles were set alight across the city after protests erupted following a separate knife attack.

House Fires and Personal Loss

Yura, 19, is part of the Ukrainian family who were forced to flee their home on Lendrick Street in east Belfast during the disorder [BBC]

Outside the charred remains of his home on Lendrick Street in east Belfast, Jamie Corrie — who had lived on the street for 13 years — described watching his house burn as 'a feeling I'll never get over'. Corrie said the blaze began after a car belonging to 'foreign nationals' next door was deliberately set on fire and the flames spread to his property. By the time firefighters arrived, he said, the house was already engulfed and most belongings, including irreplaceable sentimental items, were destroyed. He added he was grateful his children were not at home when the fire took hold.

A Ukrainian family on the same street were also forced to flee. Nineteen-year-old Yura described the night as 'terrifying' after flames from a neighbouring car caught her front door; she escaped with her dog through a back exit and stayed with friends for the night. Another long-term resident, Anselme Shima, said he felt devastated and fearful for his children's safety during the scenes of violence.

Biji Jose, from the Northern Ireland Indian Nurses Forum, says colleagues are "really worried" about their safety [BBC]

Impact On Migrant Workers And Local Businesses

Healthcare staff from migrant communities expressed deep concern about their safety and future in Northern Ireland. Biji Jose, of the Northern Ireland Indian Nurses Forum, said junior colleagues had contacted her feeling anxious and uncertain. Jose emphasised that migrant healthcare workers are filling vital workforce shortages and supporting patient care across the region.

Pastor Jack McKee [BBC]

Small businesses were hit too. In Ballyclare, County Antrim, Ozer Soy-Suren — co-owner of a long-standing Turkish barber shop — reported damage during the disorder and described a steady stream of locals checking on staff the following morning. One man originally from India told reporters he planned to leave Northern Ireland after witnessing scenes he described as 'like a war zone', saying he did not sleep all night and that people were too scared to leave their homes.

Community Response And Legal Proceedings

A family in east Belfast had to be rescued from their burning home [PA Images]

Pastor Jack McKee, who helped people affected on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast, said some of those he assisted had been church members for decades and were being targeted because of their skin colour. He said he was doing his best to support them during the crisis.

Meanwhile, following the attack that triggered protests, 30-year-old Hadi Alodid — originally from Sudan — appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with an assault that caused serious injuries, including the victim losing an eye. The victim's family, including Stephen Ogilvy's relatives, have publicly appealed for peaceful protest as the only way forward amid rising tensions.

What Comes Next

Local authorities and community leaders face the immediate tasks of supporting displaced families, assessing damage and restoring confidence among residents and essential workers. Many people affected described a sense of loss and uncertainty about returning to normal life after the violence.