Good Morning Britain spoke to Belfast 'stabbing hero' Maitiu Mág Tighearnán during Thursday's programme. Maitiu intervened in an alleged knife attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of North Belfast on Monday night, June 8, rescuing the victim, Stephen Ogilvie.
Suspect Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Mr Ogilvie, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day, and possession of a knife.
Maitiu and a friend leapt from their vehicle to help Mr Ogilvie, who was lying on the ground. The duo had come across the terrifying scene by accident while taking a shortcut to a petrol station, with Maitiu wielding his son's hurling stick to confront the suspect.
Maitiu's First Live TV Interview
Speaking on Thursday's Good Morning Britain, Maitiu described how he and his friend discovered the victim by chance, initially believing it was a scuffle before realising the gravity of the situation. Discussing his immediate response to challenge the suspected attacker and protect the victim, he explained: "I think it's sort of where we grew up in Belfast. You know, we grew up in West Belfast, and a lot of people in Belfast have that mentality. So, yes, some may record it, but at the end of the day, there's a man lying there. I just heard he's being stabbed. There was blood everywhere."
He continued: "So the first thing is, 'right, well, that man needs help.' So it's a natural reaction for what I feel is me, and most people who I know would also do the same from where we grew up. It was just that type of mentality that you need."
Community Spirit in Belfast
Maitiu went on to praise the community spirit in Belfast, saying: "Belfast is that as well. I mean, at the minute, with everything going on, I think it's sort of getting a bad rap. But even North Belfast is a whole community-spirited place. West Belfast is the same as the other areas. But it is. It's about helping each other."
He added: "I think that is one thing that's sort of coming out of it, that the communities are all coming together now to sort of support each other."
Fundraising Appeal and Overwhelming Reaction
A fundraising appeal has been launched in recognition of Maitiu's 'bravery and courage,' though he confessed the reaction has been 'overwhelming' and all the focus is 'brand new' territory for him. He explained: "I'm overwhelmed. But, again, this is all new to me. So, for me, I'm someone who tries to keep a low profile. I don't like too much attention on myself."
When questioned about whether he'd managed to have a conversation with Mr Ogilvie and if he intended to pay him a visit, Maitiu responded: "Yeah, of course. Of course, I would love to see him, see how he is recovering."
He added: "I did speak to one of his family members briefly. They reached out, just obviously thanking us for what had happened," adding: "But we haven't been able to speak to him directly."
He went on to say: "Me [and my friend] both said if it was any of our family, we would hope someone would do the same. So it's not that there's anything to be thankful for. We're just glad that we were able to intervene when we could."
Fundraiser for the Victim
Joining Maitiu in the GMB studio was the individual who organised the fundraiser, with both men revealing they're now launching a fundraiser for the victim, Mr Ogilvie. Maitiu committed to contributing £10,000 to get things started.
Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV X.
