Bystanders bravely fought off a knifeman after he left a man in his 40s with critical injuries to his face, neck and back on a residential street in north Belfast, police have said.
The attack took place at about 10.30pm on Monday night on Kinnaird Avenue. Horrifying footage circulating online, which police have urged the public not to share, appears to show the attacker pinning a man down and repeatedly stabbing him in the head.
“Bystanders fought off a knifeman after a man in his 40s was stabbed in the head in north Belfast; suspect arrested.”
A man in his 30s, believed to be Somalian, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. The victim remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “sickening” attack, saying: “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.”
PSNI assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said detectives were still trying to establish a motive. “This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community, causing real concern,” he said. “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.”
Belfast City Councillor Paul McCusker described the scenes as “horrific” and added: “The bravery of those residents was commendable.” Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran said he was “left shocked and deeply concerned” by footage, adding: “People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live.”
Police have declared a critical incident in response to the attack, which Kemi Badenoch said left her “absolutely horrified”. She urged police to state the facts “as quickly as possible so that we can get some clarity”.
Officers are expected to maintain a presence in the area as enquiries continue, and Henderson appealed for anyone with information to come forward.