Protests held across Northern Ireland in wake of horror North Belfast knife attack: Live updates

Protests are underway across Northern Ireland this evening in the wake of the horror knife attack in North Belfast. Demonstrations are being reported at several locations in Belfast, Dundonald, Newtownabbey and Bangor. The 'barbaric' attack has caused widespread outrage and been condemned by politicians and community leaders across NI. A number of protests have been planned for the evening of Tuesday, June 9, in response to the incident. This has led to a number of businesses closing early and sending their staff home. The Driver and Vehicle Agency has now announced that it has rebooked all drivers who were scheduled to have an MOT/vehicle test from 5pm on Tuesday, June 9 due to the protests and anticipated road closures. Belfast City Council has said that all of its facilities will close and services will stop at 5.30pm due to planned protests. Follow this live blog as we cover all the breaking news tonight Today 19:58 BST Ardoyne tonight Ardoyne tonight Martin McCullough Today 19:56 BST Dundonald this evening Dundonald tonight Martin McCullough Today 19:51 BST Peaceful scenes Content cannot be displayed without consent Martin McCullough ‌ Today 19:41 BST Malone Road blocked Malone Road blocked at Taughmona Malone Road in South Belfast Martin McCullough Today 19:36 BST Cloughfern and Dundonald Large crowds have gathered at Cloughfern in Netwonabbey and in Dundonald on the opposite side of Belfast Martin McCullough Today 19:24 BST Road blocked North Belfast Around 200 people are blocking the road at York Street in North Belfast tonight Road is blocked at York Street in North Belfast Martin McCullough ‌ Today 19:24 BST Protests in UK Protesters have gathered outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Southampton following the Belfast knife attack. Dozens of demonstrators held Union and St George flags as they gathered outside Highfield House Hotel on Tuesday evening. Protesters outside the hotel in the city’s Portswood suburb unveiled signs reading “Belfast-Southampton Stands With You”, “Enough Is Enough” and “Illegal Migration Is Destroying Our Civilisation”. Martin McCullough Today 19:24 BST Protest held as man charged The protests are being held as a 30 year-old man arrested in connection with the Belfast stabbing attack has been charged with attempted murder and will appear in court in the city on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said Martin McCullough Today 19:24 BST Hundreds at Bangor marina Hundres of people have gathered at Bangor seafront to protest after the knife attack Martin McCullough ‌ Today 19:24 BST Appeal for calm Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister has appealed for “calm” following the “barbaric” Belfast knife attack. Speaking at a press conference at Stormont, Naomi Long said: “I think all of us were horrified at what we witnessed unfolding last night in North Belfast. And I understand that many people in that community this morning will be traumatised, they will be fearful, and they will be angry at what unfolded on their doorstep, and they have every right to be so.” The leader of the Alliance Party appealed for people “to remain calm, to allow the police to do their work in terms of their investigation”. Ms Long added: “Allow the justice system to hold the individual responsible to account for what was a shockingly barbaric attack on our streets. We do not want police resources and other people to be caught up in what could become a very heated situation. “We want the police to be able to focus on this investigation and deliver the justice that the victim and his family and the wider community deserves. “We also know that there are many in our community today who are fearful, who are afraid because they fear that others will associate them with the person who was involved in this attack. “We need to reassure them too that their safety, along with everyone else’s safety, is our primary concern.” Martin McCullough Today 19:24 BST Increased police presence PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher earlier warned people against being influenced “from afar through social media” in the wake of a knife attack in north Belfast. He said: “There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe. There is considerable posting on social media. I appeal for everyone to be mindful of what they view and share online. Martin McCullough Today 19:24 BST Hello and thanks Hello and thanks for joining this breaking news event. Please stay with us as we keep you updated on the protests across Northern Ireland Martin McCullough Follow : X (Twitter) Instagram ‌