A man's house in north Belfast was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night during disorder that erupted in the city after a stabbing attack the previous day.

Jamie Corry had lived on Lendrick Street for 13 years. He said cars parked near his home were set alight and the flames rapidly spread. He warned those responsible that the vehicle was on his property, but it was still ignited. As the fire intensified, he moved down the street and watched as the cars exploded and his house caught fire. Mr Corry described the building as completely destroyed, with no part left undamaged.

Sentimental items were lost in the blaze, including belongings of his late father. His family was not at home at the time, as they were staying with his partner. He said he will approach the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for help.

Another resident, Anselme Shima, who lives nearby with his wife and three children, said the night was terrifying. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr Shima has been in Belfast since 2013. He told reporters that smoke from a burning bus filled the street, forcing them to close their windows. His children asked what was happening and whether they were safe. Mr Shima said he is now afraid his home could be the next target.

Independent councillor Paul Doherty said innocent families were terrorised because of the colour of their skin or where they came from, and that the actions of one individual cannot justify collective punishment against a community. He added that many people have offered assistance to those affected. Justice Minister Naomi Long said residents had been left terrified in their homes.

The unrest followed a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night. A 30-year-old man, a Sudanese national, has been charged with attempted murder and was due to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court. The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in hospital with serious wounds to his eye, face and back.