Family of Belfast stabbing victim warn against 'division and hostility'
The family of Belfast stabbing attack victim Stephen Ogilvie have thanked the emergency services and people who stepped in to stop the attack, as they called for calm.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of DUP MLA Phillip Brett, they said: "We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
"We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. 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," the statement said.
It added: "We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident.
"We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.
"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.
"We are asking 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.
"If you know anything at all about the attack, or saw anything strange near Kinnaird Avenue, please go to the police.
Thank you for respecting our privacy.
