UMVA has learned that a man has been arrested in connection with a brutal stabbing attack in north Belfast, leaving a victim with serious injuries.
The shocking incident, captured on video, shows residents intervening in the attack, with one brave individual hitting the attacker with a hurling stick to stop the onslaught. A chilling audio clip reveals a bystander exclaiming: ‘He’s trying to cut his head off.’
According to information obtained by UMVA, the victim suffered significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wounds to his back and face after being attacked with a kitchen knife. The police have confirmed that the suspect, a Sudanese national in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson revealed that the attack has sparked concern not only in Northern Ireland but also further afield. He emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that the attack is terrorism-related and urged the public to be cautious about sharing footage online.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the suspect, who entered the UK in 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year, has leave to remain in the UK until 2028. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemning the attack as "sickening" and expressing his thoughts are with the victim and their family. He also thanked the first responders, including members of the public who intervened to stop the attacker.
Protests are being planned in Northern Ireland following the attack, and Assistant Chief Constable Henderson has appealed for calm, urging people to facilitate peaceful protest and avoid a repeat of previous disorder.
Political representatives have expressed shock and concern over the attack. Stormont’s Justice Minister Naomi Long said: ‘There can be no place for such violence in our community.’ DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the attack as "medieval, barbaric and systematic mutilation of an individual in Belfast."
The local community is seeking reassurance, with North Belfast MP John Finucane urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward and assist the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact the police.
