Masked protesters took to the streets in several parts of the city, setting houses, vehicles, barricades and a bus on fire, causing widespread disruption and escalating tensions.

Unrest also spread to the neighbouring town of Newtownabbey, where demonstrators were seen setting two cars ablaze.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the violence, describing it as "nothing less than disgusting cowardice."

"Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice," O'Neill wrote on X.

She labelled the violence as "outright thuggery" and warned against attempts to exploit the knife attack to target innocent people.

"The attack in North Belfast was heinous and wrong. But there are dangerous attempts to exploit that to target and attack innocent people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here," she said.

"Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur. There can be no excuse and no justification for these attacks tonight. No one wants to see this on our streets and I again appeal for calm."

Smaller demonstrations were also reported in other UK cities, including Bangor, Glasgow and London.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police were responding to multiple incidents across Northern Ireland.

"Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire," Henderson said.

"We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe."

Belfast Knife Attack

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a Sudanese national remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack in north Belfast.

The victim, a man in his 40s, was seriously injured during the attack on Canard Avenue on Monday.

Police recovered a kitchen knife from the scene. According to Henderson, the victim suffered significant injuries to his eyes as well as serious wounds to his back and face. He remains in a serious condition in hospital.

According to CNN, the suspect arrived in Ireland from Paris and entered Northern Ireland in February 2023. He subsequently claimed asylum and was granted permission to remain in the United Kingdom until 2028.

Authorities have said there is currently no evidence linking the knife attack to terrorism. The investigation remains ongoing.