The family of Belfast attack victim Stephen Ogilvie have issued a fresh update on his condition, confirming he is now stable in hospital while condemning the violent disorder that has erupted across Northern Ireland in the days since the attack.
Mr Ogilvie, 44, suffered life-changing injuries during a knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday night.
He lost an eye and sustained serious injuries to his face, neck and back during the incident, which sparked widespread outrage and led to protests and unrest across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland.
In a statement released through the Police Service of Northern Ireland, his family said they had been forced to speak out after false information about his condition began circulating online.
“We have witnessed a lot of false information circulating on social media,” the family said.
“It is now forcing us to clarify that our loved one is in fact in a stable condition, and we are solely focused on his recovery at this time.”
The family also appealed for privacy as they continue to support Mr Ogilvie through his recovery.
“We are also appealing to the media and the public to please give us some space. We need privacy to focus on our family right now, without cameras or people speculating about what happened via social media.”
Their statement comes after a series of false claims online suggested Mr Ogilvie had died from his injuries.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said he had spoken directly with Mr Ogilvie’s father, who was distressed by the spread of misinformation.
“The victim’s father has also asked me to pass on a direct appeal to those spreading disinformation online: please stop,” he said.
“This is causing immense additional distress to a family already going through an unimaginable ordeal.”
The family also expressed their anger at the violence that followed the attack.
In a separate statement released through Independent Councillor Stafford Ward, relatives said they were “feeling disgusted” by the scenes that unfolded on Belfast’s streets.
“We want to make it clear that overnight unrest is not welcome,” the statement said.
“Peaceful protest is the only way forward.”
The family also rejected attempts to use the incident to fuel division within communities.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”
Meanwhile, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with the attempted murder of Mr Ogilvie.
He also faces charges of threatening to kill an NHS radiographer and possessing a knife in a public place.
The defendant was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the courts again next month.
As police continue investigating the attack, Mr Ogilvie’s family say their focus remains entirely on his recovery and have urged the public to respect their wishes while he continues receiving treatment in hospital.
For now, they say, their priority is supporting their loved one through what remains a long and difficult road ahead.
