The family of 43-year-old Stephen Ogilvie has released a poignant statement expressing their devastation following a brutal knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue in Belfast. The incident, which has left Mr. Ogilvie permanently blind in one eye, occurred earlier this week and triggered a significant police investigation. On Wednesday, 30-year-old Hadi Alodid appeared before a Belfast court to face a charge of attempted murder in connection with the assault. As Mr. Ogilvie remains hospitalized in stable condition, his family has sought to address the public directly amidst a whirlwind of misinformation.
In their statement, the family emphasized that their singular focus is currently directed toward supporting Mr. Ogilvie’s recovery. They expressed profound frustration regarding the rampant speculation circulating on social media, clarifying that reports regarding his condition had been largely inaccurate. By setting the record straight, they hope to silence the online noise and focus their energy entirely on being at his bedside during this traumatic rehabilitation process.
Beyond the details of the attack itself, the family issued a stern rebuke regarding the public unrest that gripped parts of Northern Ireland in the wake of the incident. In recent days, the region saw scenes of disorder and anti-migrant protests that many linked to the attack on Kinnaird Avenue. The family explicitly stated that they do not support such actions, asserting that “peaceful protest is only ever the way forward.” They condemned the exploitation of their personal tragedy to fuel societal division or hostility toward migrant communities.
The statement offered a staunch defense of the diverse workforce that sustains Northern Ireland, specifically citing the vital contributions of migrants within the healthcare and hospitality sectors. “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 wrote. Their message serves as a moral appeal for unity, rejecting the use of their family’s trauma as a catalyst for xenophobic or sectarian agendas.
The family also took a moment to express deep gratitude to those who intervened at the scene of the attack. They credited the “brave” local individuals who stepped in during the violence with saving Mr. Ogilvie’s life, noting that their quick actions were instrumental in ensuring he survived the ordeal. Additionally, they thanked the emergency service personnel, along with the doctors and nurses providing ongoing clinical care, for their professionalism and dedication during this difficult time.
Concluding their statement, the family issued a final plea for privacy and judicial cooperation. They urged anyone with genuine information regarding the incident or suspicious activity near Kinnaird Avenue to report directly to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) rather than engaging in online conjecture. By requesting that the public refrain from spreading unverified claims that cause the family further “deep distress,” they hope to move forward in peace, focusing solely on the long road to recovery ahead for their loved one.