Belfast stabbing victim’s family say unrest ‘not welcome’

By Sam Hall, Press Association

The Belfast stabbing attack victim’s family said unrest is “not welcome”, as public transport in the city shuts early ahead of further anticipated protests.

Northern Ireland public transport operator Translink said no buses would depart after 5 pm, and train departures will stop at 6 pm “due to expected protests” on Wednesday evening.

Schools may also close because of the threat of more disturbances, with Northern Ireland’s Education Authority saying schools should take individual decisions on whether to close.

The education authority said school leaders should “continue to closely monitor the situation in their local area, and the commuting pathway for staff and pupils, and react as necessary and appropriate”.

The family of stabbing victim Stephen Ogilvie, thanked the emergency services and people who stepped in to stop the attack, as they called for calm on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of DUP MLA Phillip Brett, they said: “We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue.

“This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
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“We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack.

“Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment.

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“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.

“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in 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.”

Northern Ireland public transport operator Translink said “passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Translink said: “There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm.

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“Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.

“Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.

“We intend to be in a position to resume normal services tomorrow morning and passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via Translink social channels and the journey planner app.”

Northern Ireland’s Education Authority said “maintaining the education of children and young people is a vital priority”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the authority added: “In that context, while we are aware of unverified social media claims about further planned protests today, a blanket decision regarding closures for the whole of NI would be neither practical nor proportionate.

“Individual school leaders should continue to closely monitor the situation in their local area, and the commuting pathway for staff and pupils, and react as necessary and appropriate.

“We acknowledge that some schools may have to take individual decisions – for example, based on PSNI advice or local circumstances.”