UMVA has learned that a horrific stabbing attack in north Belfast has left a man in his 40s fighting for his life in the hospital with severe injuries to his face, neck, and back.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has declared a 'critical incident' and launched an investigation into the brutal attack, which was captured on video and shared online, showing a knifeman pinning the victim to the ground before stabbing him multiple times.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, saying it was 'sickening' and that he has 'absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets,' adding that his thoughts are with the victim and the first responders who intervened.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the assault as 'deeply concerning' and emphasized that the police are treating the attack with the utmost seriousness, working to establish a motive and urging anyone with information to come forward.
The scene outside an apartment complex in the lower Antrim Road area remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with police markers visible on the ground where the attack took place, as the community grapples with the shock and concern.
Stormont's Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed her shock and thoughts are with the victim, their family, and the brave individuals who disarmed the attacker and the police who attended, stressing that there can be no place for such violence in the community.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the attack as 'deeply concerning' and 'medieval, barbaric and systematic mutilation of an individual in Belfast,' while North Belfast MP John Finucane urged anyone with information to assist the investigation and help bring those responsible to justice.
Local councillor Jordan Doran said residents are concerned about community safety and seeking reassurance following the incident, emphasizing that violence of this nature has no place in North Belfast and vowing to engage with the police and relevant agencies to ensure residents receive the information they deserve.
The police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward and help with the investigation into this appalling attack.
