Northern Ireland police appeal for calm after ‘barbaric’ knife attack sparks anger

Footage shows bystanders trying to stop attacker before police arrive; suspect held for attempted murder

Police in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm after arresting a Sudanese man on Tuesday over a knife attack that left one person in a serious condition. triggered calls online for a protest.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “sickening” after video of the attack in north Belfast late Monday evening was widely shared on social media.

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. foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who…

The case is not currently being treated as terrorism. It comes amid heightened tensions in Britain following recent violent incidents. debates over immigration, with renewed scrutiny of asylum policy and public disorder concerns.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson called the incident “critical”. said the victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his eyes, face, and back in a “brutal” kitchen knife attack.

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Footage showed members of the public attempting to stop the attacker before police arrived. The suspect, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder.

Henderson said the suspect lived locally after being granted leave to remain following travel from Dublin.

Political leaders in Northern Ireland jointly condemned the attack as “horrific” and urged calm while supporting the ongoing investigation. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described it as a “savage and barbaric attack”.

Police warned against sharing footage. misinformation, noting a social media call for protests, while stressing that any expression of views should remain peaceful.

Authorities said they do not want a repeat of recent years’ public disorder and urged communities to remain calm.

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