Disorder broke out across Belfast and other Northern Ireland towns following the charging of a man in connection with a knife attack that left another man in hospital with serious injuries. The violence saw homes and cars set ablaze, forcing residents to flee, and led to the suspension of all public transport in the capital.

A 30-year-old Sudanese man is due to appear in court Wednesday, facing charges of attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and threats to kill. The charges stem from an incident on Monday night in north Belfast's Kinnaird Avenue, where a man in his 40s sustained severe injuries to his eyes, neck, and back.

Videos circulating online depicted a confrontation between a group of individuals and the alleged attacker, who was eventually confronted by police. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has appealed for calm amidst sporadic pockets of disorder that have emerged in response to the attack, with gatherings reported in Londonderry, Antrim, Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Bangor, and Belfast.

While some protests remained peaceful, violence erupted in several areas. A resident of east Belfast's Lendrick Street described how cars were set alight, with the fire spreading to their house, and masked individuals attempting to break down doors. On the Newtownards Road, approximately 100 masked individuals, many described as teenagers, reportedly kicked in doors and broke windows.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to 62 incidents on Tuesday evening, with the majority concentrated in the Greater Belfast area. Translink, the public transport operator, condemned an attack on one of its buses and has suspended services citywide. Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows noted the presence of many young people among the masked groups involved in the disorder.

Justice Minister Naomi Long stated on Tuesday night that "hate cannot be allowed to win" and that there is no place for "masked thugs" in Northern Ireland. She acknowledged the concerns following the attack but urged against allowing hate to prevail.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson of the PSNI has implored influential voices within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any participation in violence or disorder. The PSNI is working to address the escalating situation and restore public order.

This outbreak of disorder highlights the volatile situation and the challenges authorities face in maintaining calm following such incidents. The focus remains on de-escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of residents while the legal process for the charged individual unfolds.