A man in his 40s was left in a serious condition after a brutal knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night – an incident that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as “sickening” and that has once again brought knife crime into the spotlight. Police arrested a Sudanese man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder and declared a critical incident, while bystanders who intervened were praised for their bravery. The attack, captured on video, has sparked widespread shock and calls for calm. But knife crime is a persistent issue across the UK, and understanding the laws and controversies around it is key to making sense of such events.
Knife crime covers a range of offences, from carrying a knife in public without good reason to using one to threaten or injure someone. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Section 139), it is illegal to carry most knives in public without a lawful excuse. However, the law provides exemptions for certain religious reasons – for example, Sikhs carrying a kirpan, a ceremonial dagger. This exemption became a flashpoint in the case of Vickrum Digwa, who was jailed for life for murdering 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton in December 2025. Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused and acted in self-defence, and he used a blade he said he carried for religious reasons linked to his Sikh faith. A group of 11 Sikh MPs subsequently issued a statement saying the murder was “not about Sikhism” and that the weapon used was “not a kirpan”. They condemned the Crown Prosecution Service for not making this clear during the trial, though the CPS said the judge agreed the weapon was a kirpan. The case reignited debate about knife laws, with prominent figures such as Elon Musk criticising the religious exemption.
“Explains UK knife crime laws, recent high-profile cases, and what they mean for public safety.”
The Belfast attack, while not involving a religious defence, has also highlighted the public’s role in tackling knife violence. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson thanked members of the public “who strived to save the man from further attack” and urged people not to share graphic footage. Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long echoed that appeal, saying the images were “deeply disturbing and traumatising to view”. Political leaders, including DUP leader Gavin Robinson, called the attack “medieval” and “barbaric”, and asked police to clarify the circumstances to combat misinformation.
For UK readers, knife crime has real-world implications. It affects community safety, public confidence, and the justice system. The law around carrying knives is strict, but exemptions and defences can create grey areas. The Nowak case prompted calls for a review of knife legislation, particularly around religious exemptions. Meanwhile, the Belfast stabbing shows how quickly such incidents can escalate and how bystanders can make a difference. Politicians have urged the public to avoid sharing violent footage and to rely on official information. The government maintains a policy of no tolerance for knife violence, as Starmer made clear: “I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.”
Q: What is the law on carrying knives in the UK? Under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is illegal to carry most knives in public without a good reason. Exemptions include using knives for work, religious purposes (like a Sikh’s kirpan), or as part of a national costume. The maximum penalty for carrying a knife is four years in prison.
Q: What is a kirpan, and why is it exempt from knife laws? A kirpan is a ceremonial dagger worn by baptised Sikhs as a symbol of faith and duty to protect the weak. UK law exempts kirpans from the general ban on carrying knives in public, recognising their religious significance. However, the sheath must be secure and the blade must not be used as a weapon.
Q: How common is knife crime in the UK? Knife crime remains a serious concern, though statistics fluctuate. In 2024/25, there were around 50,000 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales, according to Home Office data. High-profile cases, like the Nowak murder and the Belfast stabbing, keep the issue in the public eye, but overall numbers have been relatively stable in recent years.
What happens next? Police in Belfast continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, and the suspect remains in custody. The victim’s condition is still described as serious. In the Nowak case, Digwa’s conviction has already led to calls for a government review of knife laws, particularly the religious exemption. The Sikh MPs have urged a clear distinction between faith and criminality. No immediate legislative changes have been announced, but the issue is likely to be debated in Parliament. Meanwhile, police have asked the public not to share footage of the Belfast attack and to allow the investigation to proceed.