The family of Stephen Ogilvie have spoken out after a night of violence left the city on fire. In a statement issued through Independent Councillor Stafford Ward, the family said that they "want to make it clear that overnight unrest is not welcome".

The family also paid tribute to the local people who came to Mr Ogilvie's aid during the attack and appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy. Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye as a result of his injuries. Hadi Alodid, 30, has been remanded in custody for four weeks after appearing at Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, making threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possessing a knife. Breaking their silence after the attack, Mr Ogilvie's family 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.

"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. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.

"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.

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