Stephen Ogilvie, who lost his left eye and suffered deep head, face and back wounds in a stabbing attack on Monday, is showing signs of improvement and may be brought out of a medically-induced coma within 24 to 48 hours. DUP leader Gavin Robinson, after speaking with the family, said assessments would then be made on the full impact, including on his sight. The family appealed for an end to misinformation and urged that the incident not be exploited to justify intimidation or division.

A 30-year-old Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody in connection with the attack.

A second night of disorder on Wednesday left 12 police officers injured and resulted in 16 arrests in Newtownabbey and Portadown. Rioters threw bricks and petrol bombs, and set vehicles and homes ablaze. Police deployed water cannon and fired 20 attenuating energy projectiles to disperse the crowds. A 28-year-old man was charged with failing to remove a disguise, obstructing police and resisting police, while a 24-year-old woman faces charges of disorderly behaviour and possessing an article with intent to damage.

A nurse on her way to work at the Ulster Hospital was chased and intimidated by four masked men. The South Eastern Trust condemned the attack as racist and said the nurse insisted on remaining at the hospital to care for vulnerable patients.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police patrols near hospitals are being increased and condemned those inciting young people into violence. He said most injured officers received minor wounds and returned to duty, and that additional officers from Great Britain are being deployed under mutual aid.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the disorder as completely unacceptable and said law enforcement would pursue those responsible. First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the violence “pure racism” and noted it occurred mainly in loyalist areas. UUP leader Jon Burrows said those who target healthcare staff are traitors and should be given exemplary sentences. SDLP leader Claire Hanna dismissed DUP comments about the Irish border as a distraction.

Public transport operator Translink suspended many bus and rail services out of Belfast from early Thursday evening. Unison regional secretary Patricia McKeown said workers from overseas have faced threats, calling the incidents racism. An anti-racism rally is planned in Belfast this weekend.