A man has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a horrific stabbing in Belfast on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast around 10:30 PM, has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and community figures.
Attack Details
Video footage circulating on social media shows the attacker kneeling on top of the victim and repeatedly stabbing him in the head. Bystanders, one armed with a hurling stick, intervened to subdue the assailant. One bystander can be heard telling police, "He's trying to cut his head off."
The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained significant injuries to his face, neck, and back and remains in a serious condition in hospital. A man in his 30s, believed by police to be Sudanese, has been arrested in connection with the attack and remains in custody.
Police Response
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) declared a critical incident and has launched an investigation to establish a motive. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated, "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." He praised the bravery of the public who intervened and urged people not to share the graphic footage.
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack "sickening" and declared, "There will be absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets." He thanked first responders and the public who intervened.
North Belfast MP John Finucane expressed shock and urged anyone with information to come forward. Justice Minister Naomi Long commended the "brave people who disarmed the attacker" and described the images as "deeply disturbing and traumatising."
Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson called the attack "barbaric," while Traditional Unionist Voice deputy leader Ron McDowell said it was "one of the most horrific pieces of footage I have ever witnessed." Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows noted the incident was "beyond any attack I've seen in Northern Ireland before."
Appeal for Information
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them at Tennent Street on 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.
