A man is in a critical condition following a vicious knife attack in North Belfast, with video footage showing heroic bystanders intervening to subdue the assailant. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) responded to reports of the incident on Kinnaird Avenue at approximately 10:30 PM on Monday, June 8.
Attack Details and Police Response
The injured man was rushed to hospital, while another man was arrested and remains in police custody. Disturbing footage circulating online appears to depict the victim being stabbed in the head before members of the public intervened, an act widely praised by local officials. Officers are expected to remain at the scene as investigations continue.
Local Officials React
Belfast City Councillor Paul McCusker described the scenes as 'horrific' and commended the bravery of residents. 'Horrific scenes on the streets of North Belfast tonight, terrifying for anyone to witness or watch this on social media,' he said. 'I have spoken to the police and the male who carried out the attack has been arrested and the victim is critical in hospital. I really hope he survives this attack and his family are getting support. The bravery of those residents was commendable.'
Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran expressed being 'left shocked and deeply concerned' by the footage. 'Many residents have contacted me expressing concerns about community safety and seeking reassurance following this incident. Those concerns are entirely understandable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live. What is beyond dispute is that violence of this nature has no place in North Belfast. I will be engaging with the PSNI and relevant agencies as a matter of urgency to ensure residents receive the information and reassurance they deserve.'
DUP councillor Nicola Verner added: 'Like many people, I have woken this morning to the video circulating and news of a man viciously attacked last night. I am horrified and deeply concerned by the incident in the Girdwood area and the scenes circulating have understandably caused fear and anxiety within our local communities. Violence of this nature has no place on our streets. Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. There is a clear need for swift action and to provide reassurance to the community and ensure residents are listened to and feel protected from attacks of this kind.'
Police Appeal
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed: 'Police in north Belfast are currently in attendance at Kinnaird Avenue following the report of a stabbing incident shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June. A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is in police custody while a second man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Officers will remain in the area to conduct their enquiries and would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, to call them at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.'
