Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a stabbing incident in north Belfast that left a man with serious injuries. A Somalian man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The attack occurred on Monday night, June 8, in the Kinnaird Avenue area. The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained significant wounds to his face, neck, and back, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The PSNI has declared a critical incident and launched an investigation. Graphic video footage circulating online shows the violent attack, with bystanders intervening to stop the assailant. The clip depicts the victim lying prone on the ground near an apartment complex close to the busy Antrim Road.
Prime Minister's response
Sir Keir Starmer stated: "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."
Police investigation
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."
He added: "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."
The victim remains in serious condition in hospital as of Tuesday, June 9. The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack took place.
Political condemnation
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures across Northern Ireland and beyond. Stormont's Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "My thoughts this morning are with the victim of last night's horrific attack in North Belfast, and with their family, the brave people who disarmed the attacker and the PSNI who attended and will now investigate. There can be no place for such violence in our community. I would also ask people not to share the very graphic images and footage of the attack. They are deeply disturbing and traumatising to view."
Sinn Féin MP for north Belfast John Finucane visited the scene on Tuesday morning and called the attack "appalling." He said: "This is deeply shocking, there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities. My thoughts are with the victim and I hope they make a full recovery. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI immediately so a full investigation can be carried out."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson urged the police to release all facts surrounding the incident to combat misinformation. He described the attack as "medieval" and "a systematic mutilation of a human being on the streets of Belfast."
The PSNI has appealed for witnesses, as well as anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward.
