UMVA has learned that a man has been arrested for attempted murder following a brutal knife attack in Belfast, sparking widespread condemnation and protest calls from U.K. far-right figures.
The Sudanese suspect, believed to be in his 30s, was detained after a serious assault in the city late Monday, which left a man in his 40s hospitalized in serious condition with injuries to his face, neck, and back.
Disturbing video footage shows the attacker repeatedly stabbing the victim in the neck and head, with witnesses rushing to the scene to intervene, and one taking down the attacker with a stick.
"This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident," Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said, noting that they are investigating to determine a motive behind the brutal attack.
The attack in Belfast comes after violent demonstrations in Southampton, England, over law enforcement's handling of a recent murder case, and has sparked concerns about community cohesion and immigration policies.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the attack as "horrific" and "sickening," and has vowed to prioritize the victim's safety and well-being, while also condemning the abhorrent scenes of violence.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged people to give the police space to carry out a full investigation, while far-right figures, including Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, have demanded immediate protests.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about immigration and community cohesion, with some politicians calling for calm and others demanding action to address the perceived root causes of the violence.
The victim's condition remains serious, and the police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, with many in the community expressing shock and outrage at the brutal violence.
