The victim of a knife attack in Belfast sustained significant injuries to his eyes, while his alleged attacker had been granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom after traveling from Dublin, police have confirmed.
Details of the attack
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated that officers responded to a call on Kinnaird Avenue around 10:30 p.m. on Monday. The injured man was taken to a hospital. The suspect, a Sudanese man in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. In addition to the eye injuries, the victim suffered slash wounds to his face and back.
A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene, according to Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson.
Immigration status of the suspect
Henderson explained that the PSNI believes the suspect had leave to remain in the UK. He had entered the country across the Irish border after traveling from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. Police initially stated the suspect was from Somalia but later clarified he is Sudanese.
No terror link
Henderson emphasized that at this stage, there is no information suggesting the attack was terrorism-related. However, he stressed that the investigation is in its early stages.
Appeal for calm
The PSNI has declared a critical incident in response to the attack, which was captured on video. The footage appears to show a man stabbing the victim's head and neck while he was on the ground. Bystanders, including one with a hurling stick, intervened to stop the assault in the residential area near the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast.
Henderson acknowledged plans for protests in Northern Ireland and appealed for demonstrations to remain peaceful.
