Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a knife attack in Belfast as “horrific” and “abhorrent” after a man was brutally assaulted on Monday night. The incident, which was captured on video and circulated online, occurred on Kinnaird Avenue in the north of the city.
A man believed to be from Somalia, aged in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the victim sustained significant injuries to his face, neck, and back, and remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Police Response and Public Bravery
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the attack as “brutal” and said it has “sent shockwaves through the community.” He praised members of the public who intervened, including one person with a hurling stick, to stop the attacker. “Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit,” he added.
The PSNI has launched a critical incident investigation to establish a motive. Officers were on the scene within minutes, and a cordon remains in place on Tuesday morning with markers visible on the ground where the attack occurred.
Political Reactions
Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”
Stormont’s Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed her thoughts for the victim and the brave people who disarmed the attacker. She urged the public not to share graphic footage, calling it “deeply disturbing and traumatising to view.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane, who visited the scene, called the attack “appalling” and urged anyone with information to come forward. DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the incident as “medieval” and “a systematic mutilation of a human being on the streets of Belfast.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage demanded authorities disclose the identity and immigration status of the suspect, stating: “The public are entitled to the truth.”
The PSNI continues to appeal for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them.
