Burrows: Stephen Ogilvy’s father pleads for end to cruel online rumours as son remains in ICU

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA

The father of North Belfast attack victim Stephen Ogilvy has made a direct appeal for false rumours about his son’s condition to stop, as the young man remains in intensive care following what has been described as a “horrendous” assault.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said he spoke personally with Mr Ogilvy on Wednesday morning, June 10, following Monday night’s attempted murder investigation, and revealed the family have been left deeply distressed by a wave of misinformation circulating online — including false claims that Stephen had died.

Stephen Ogilvy remains in ICU but is understood to be stable after suffering what Burrows described as “devastating injuries”.

The case has already sparked major public reaction across Northern Ireland amid heightened tensions over immigration, public disorder and online disinformation, with political leaders now facing growing pressure to address the fallout from the attack and the unrest which followed.

Family appeal over false social media claims

In a statement issued after speaking directly with the victim’s father, Mr Burrows said the family were enduring “an unimaginable ordeal” and urged the public to show restraint online.

He said:

“This morning I spoke personally with the father of Stephen Ogilvy, who was the victim of a horrendous attack in North Belfast on Monday night.

“I want to thank Mr Ogilvy for taking the time to speak with me at such a distressing time for his family.

“His son remains in ICU following the devastating injuries he sustained, but is stable. The injuries inflicted upon him are truly shocking and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his entire family.”

Burrows said Stephen’s father specifically asked for an end to the spread of false information online.

“The victim’s father has also asked me to pass on a direct appeal to those spreading disinformation online: please stop,” he said.

“This has shockingly included false posts on social media at various times that his son has died.

“This is causing immense additional distress to a family already going through an unimaginable ordeal. I echo that appeal wholeheartedly and urge everyone to act with decency and respect for this family.”

Political pressure intensifies

The attack has rapidly become a major political issue, with immigration, border security and public disorder now central to the debate emerging in its aftermath.

Burrows confirmed he will raise the case directly with the Secretary of State during a meeting on Wednesday and said he would ask for the Ogilvy family to be met in the coming days.

“I offered my full solidarity and support to the whole family today,” he said.

“I will be meeting with the Secretary of State tomorrow, where I will be raising issues directly related to this case.

“It is important that those in political leadership engage with issues like immigration, the security of our borders and the protection of all our citizens, whilst also standing unequivocally on the side of law and order.”

He also issued a renewed appeal to parents amid continuing unrest in some areas.

“I also appeal again for parents to ensure their children are not out on the streets and involved in disorder,” he added.

“Tomorrow I will be asking the Secretary of State to meet the family of Stephen Ogilvy in the coming days.”

Investigation continues

Police have already confirmed a man remains in custody in connection with the attempted murder investigation.

The case has generated intense public attention across Northern Ireland, with concern mounting both over the violent attack itself and the disorder and misinformation that followed online and on the streets.

Further updates from police and political representatives are expected as the investigation continues and pressure grows for answers surrounding the circumstances of the attack and the wider tensions now unfolding in its wake.