A man from Sudan has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that prime minister Sir Keir Starmer described as “horrific” and “abhorrent”.
The man aged in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the “brutal” assault on Monday night which left the alleged victim with significant injuries to his face, neck and back, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.
The PSNI has launched a “critical incident” in response to the attack, which was captured on video and appears to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was on the ground.
The clip shows people, including one with a hurling stick, intervening to stop the man attacking the victim in the residential area close to the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast.
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn thanked the bystanders who intervened by pulling the assailant away.
He told MPs: “To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.”
Starmer: ‘I won’t tolerate abhorrent scenes like this’
Prime minister 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.”
Suspect ‘in UK under five-year visa’
Police initially said they believed the suspect in custody was from Somalia but later clarified that he is Sudanese.
Police and the UK government have yet to confirm the arrested man’s immigration status. But DUP leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson told the Commons that the suspect was in the UK under a five-year visa.
Man seriously injured in stabbing: Starmer condemns attack
Starmer condemns ‘sickening’ Belfast attack after man seriously injured in stabbing
Bystanders bravely fought off the attacker after he left a man in serious condition with injuries to head, neck and back Jane Dalton9 June 2026 13:40
Hero bystanders who intervened praised as ‘best of humanity’
Hero bystanders who intervened in Belfast knife attack praised as ‘best of humanity’
Video footage shows members of the public pulling the attacker away from his victim Jane Dalton9 June 2026 13:36