Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
LAST UPDATE | 47 mins ago
A MAN IN his 30s has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill after an incident in Belfast last night.
He is to appear in court in Belfast on Wednesday, police said.
PSNI officers attended the incident at Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30pm.
A PSNI spokesperson said that the charged man is Sudanese, after the police force previously said he was “believed to be Somalian”. The spokesperson confirmed that the serious assault involved a knife.
The injured man, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious.
The attack has left him with significant injuries to his face, neck and back.
The PSNI said in short statement: “We understand there are strong community concerns after last night’s shocking attempted murder in north Belfast.
“We are aware of inaccurate online posts regarding the victim’s condition. We can confirm that the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital.
“This is a fast-time investigation and we will continue to provide further updates to the public in due course.”
British prime minister Keir Starmer has said that the “horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening”.
Starmer added that he has “absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets”.
He said his thoughts are “first and foremost with the victim” and he thanked the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.
PSNI assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson described it as a “deeply concerning assault” and has declared it a “critical incident”.
“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern,” said Henderson.
He said the attack will be treated with “the utmost seriousness” and that the investigation is “continuing at pace”.
He added that PSNI officers were on the scene “within minutes” and commended members of the public “who strived to save the man from further attack”.
“Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit,” said Henderson.
He added that the PSNI is aware of footage circulating online and “strongly” urged the public not to share or repost these images.
“Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation..
Henderson said further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Footage seen by The Journal shows a man on top of another man with a knife to his throat.
The man can be seen raising his hand and shouting something towards onlookers.
Another member of the public later intervenes with a hurley stick in an attempt to stop the attack, and two others then also try to stop the attack.
PSNI officers can then be seen intervening.
Northen Ireland’s justice minister and Alliance leader Naomi Long asked that people “not to share the very graphic images and footage of the attack”.
She also commended the “brave people who disarmed the attacker and the PSNI who attended and will now investigate”.
First minister and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill also commended the “bravery of members of the local community who put their own safety at risk in an effort to stop this vicious attack”.
She also urged the public to “give the PSNI the space it needs to carry out a full investigation so that justice can be done”.
Deputy first minister and DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly meanwhile said she has spoken with the PSNI Chief Constable and called for a “full and open communication with the public on this deeply worrying and sickening situation”.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson also called for the PSNI to “outline the facts as a matter of urgency”.
The leaders of the five main parties today released a statement to say they are “united in our condemnation of the horrific incident”.
The statement was signed by the leaders of the SDLP, DUP, UUP, Sinn Féin, and Alliance.
“We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community,” said the statement.
“We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved.”
The joint statement said it is “essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process”.
“We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities. We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.”
-With additional reporting from Jane Moore
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say