PSNI appeals for calm amid protest calls following Belfast knife attack
A police cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. Picture: Liam McBurneyk/PA Wire
A man from Sudan has been arrested over a knife attack in north Belfast which has been described as “horrific” and “abhorrent”.
The man, aged in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the “brutal” assault on Monday night which left the alleged victim with significant injuries to his eyes, as well as slash wounds to his face and neck.
The PSNI has launched a “critical incident” in response to the attack which was captured on video and appears to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was lying on the ground.
The clip shows people, including one with a hurley, intervening to stop the man attacking the victim in the residential area close to the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive.
“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community, causing real concern.
“I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.
“Our investigation is continuing at pace.
“Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.
“Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack.
“Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.”
Mr Henderson appealed for calm amid calls for protest following the stabbing.
“We’re also aware of calls this evening for protest activity across Northern Ireland, and continue to monitor that situation accordingly,” he said.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger.
“Our officers have a role to facilitate and accommodate peaceful protest.” But he said there should be no repeat of disorder previously seen in the city.
“All of our focus must be on a criminal justice investigation," he said.
The victim remained in a serious condition in hospital on Tuesday.
The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place.
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and expressions of concern across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Condemning the incident, British prime minister Keir Starmer said: “The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.
“I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.”
The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement in response to the attack.
Sinn Féin vice president and Stormont First Minister Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Jon Burrows and SDLP leader Claire Hanna said they were “united in our condemnation of the horrific incident in North Belfast last night”.
“There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality,” they said.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery.
“Our thoughts are also with those eyewitnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened.
“We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community.
“We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved.”
The political leaders urged anyone with information that could help the police investigation to assist detectives.
“We support the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their ongoing investigation and urge anyone with information, or relevant footage, to assist them.
“It is essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process,” they added.
“We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities.
“We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called on the authorities to disclose the identity and immigration status of the suspect immediately.
Commenting on the incident, Mr Farage posted on social media: “What happened in Belfast last night is horrific.
“The authorities must reveal the identity and status of the attacker immediately.
“The public are entitled to the truth.”
The PSNI has urged any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Those with dashcam or CCTV footage have also been asked to contact police.
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