A man believed to be Sudanese has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a “brutal” knife attack in north Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The incident happened at about 22:30 BST on Monday in the Kinnaird Avenue area.
The suspect, a man in his 30s, remains in custody and police are not seeking anyone else. A man in his 40s is in hospital with serious slash wounds to his back and face, and his condition is described as serious.
Police said they recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife at the scene, while video circulating online showed members of the public, including one armed with a hurling stick, confronting the attacker before officers arrived.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said, after liaising with counter-terrorism partners, “at this stage we have no information to suggest this was a terrorist-related incident,” though the investigation is ongoing.
He added that his “understanding is that the individual came into Northern Ireland from Dublin” and was later “granted leave to remain.”
ACC Henderson also urged restraint over online speculation, saying: “We are aware of inaccurate online posts regarding the victim’s condition,” confirming the injured man remains in a serious condition.
He added police are aware of planned protests and appealed for calm as a “critical incident” investigation continues, with increased police presence expected across Northern Ireland.
Public and political reactions have been widespread. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “sickening,” while Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said it was “deeply shocking” and praised those who intervened, saying they showed “extraordinary bravery.”
He also warned that “any foreign national who abuses the hospitality of this country to commit crimes should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them.”
Meanwhile, parties across Northern Ireland jointly said, “There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality,” urging calm and respect for the investigation.
