The family of the Belfast stabbing victim expressed their “disgust” at scenes of violence during a second night of disorder in Northern Ireland.
Stephen Ogilvie’s family have emphasised in a statement that they support only peaceful protest and do not want what happened to their loved one to be used to divide people.
Wednesday night saw violent scenes as crowds attacked police with missiles and water cannon was deployed in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, on the outskirts of Belfast.
There was more widespread rioting on Tuesday night, which saw four police officers injured, a Glider bus burned out in east Belfast, as well as houses and cars set alight.
Public transport in Belfast was suspended on Wednesday evening as a precaution and a number of schools closed early.
In a fresh statement issued via the Police Service of Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening, Ogilvie’s family said they wanted to make clear they do not support violence.
“We have been left feeling disgusted by the scenes that unfolded yesterday across Northern Ireland in the wake of what happened,” he said.
“We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward.”
We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility – do not do this in the name of our loved one as we do not share the same values
They went on to emphasise they do not want what happened to their loved one to divide people.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including from within our healthcare system and hospitality sector, and we depend on them to make our country work,” they said.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility – do not do this in the name of our loved one as we do not share the same values.”
The family also paid tribute to those who intervened during the attack.
“We also wish to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack,” they said.
“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.”
They added an appeal for anyone with information about the attack to speak to police.
“If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police and stop sharing false information on social media, as it is deeply distressing,” they said.
“Thank you for respecting our privacy.”
