A man is in hospital with serious injuries following a horrific stabbing in Belfast on Monday evening. Video footage circulating on social media shows an attacker kneeling on top of another man and stabbing him several times in the head.
Bystanders, one of whom is wielding a hurling stick, intervened and wrestled the attacker to the ground. One of the bystanders can be heard telling police officers, 'he's trying to cut his head off.'
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers were called to Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10:30 pm on Monday. The injured man, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his face, neck, and back, and remains in a serious condition.
A man in his 30s, believed by police to be Somali, was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. A significant police presence remains in the area, with cordons in place and markers visible on the ground where the attack occurred.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said a 'critical incident' has been declared, with an investigation underway to establish a motive. He 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 added that police were on the scene within minutes and praised the bravery of the members of the public who intervened. Mr Henderson also urged people not to share footage of the attack.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident 'sickening', adding that there will be 'absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets'. He said: 'The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.'
North Belfast MP John Finucane expressed shock and urged anyone with information to come forward. Justice minister Naomi Long praised the 'brave people who disarmed the attacker' and asked the public not to share the 'very graphic images'. DUP leader Gavin Robinson called the attack 'barbaric', while TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell described it as 'one of the most horrific pieces of footage I have ever witnessed'. UUP leader Jon Burrows said the incident was 'beyond any attack I've seen in Northern Ireland before'.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.
