Ulster Unionist health spokesperson Alan Chamber MLA, has called for international health and social care staff to be supported and protected following a night of disorder across Belfast in the wake of Monday's barbaric knife attack.

“Today, hundreds of our wonderful international health and social care staff will have travelled to work to care for the dying, the sick and our elderly housebound citizens. They will be anxious.

“Many will have been unable to attend work today after the wave of terror witnessed in many areas last night. Most will have had little sleep as they worried that their homes and children were going to be attacked. Some are urgently seeking alternative living arrangements after having their cars and homes burned out.

“Our international health workers do not disrupt our way of life, they enhance and serve it. They have come to Northern Ireland in response to recruitment exercises carried out by our health trusts, and our healthcare system will suffer if any of these valued people were to decide to relocate. Each of us, at some point, will need their help and expertise. We must stand by them.

“The disorder on our streets last night will only have compounded the damage caused by Monday night's barbaric attack. Those who took to the streets did not help the victim, did not help their community, and did not help Northern Ireland.

“We are grateful to our police and emergency services for protecting us at personal risk. None of what happened on our streets on Tuesday evening represents the attitudes, values or standards of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland.

“We must all hope for the recovery of the totally innocent victim of Monday's attack. His only misfortune was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our respect for him is best demonstrated by remaining calm.”