Police in Northern Ireland said a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a brutal Belfast street attack is Sudanese, correcting an earlier statement that initially identified him as believed to be Somalian.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a violent knife attack in north Belfast left another man with serious injuries to his face, neck and back.
**WARNING GRAPHIC**
The Police Service of Northern Ireland initially described the suspect as a man “believed to be Somalian,” but later corrected that statement and said the man in custody is Sudanese.
The update came after what police described as a “fast-time investigation.” The force said further updates would follow.
Police also confirmed that the injured man remained hospitalized in serious condition. The PSNI noted that inaccurate posts had circulated online about the victim’s condition but did not provide additional details.
The attack happened Monday night around 10:30 p.m. on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast. The victim, identified only as a man in his 40s, was taken to a hospital after suffering what police called “significant injuries to his face, neck and back.”
The PSNI declared a critical incident after the attack and said investigators were working to determine a motive.
“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness. Our investigation is continuing at pace,” a police spokesman said. “Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.”
Police said officers arrived within minutes and praised members of the public who intervened.
“Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the 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,” the spokesman said.
Police said they were aware that footage of the attack had been posted on social media and urged the public not to circulate it, warning that sharing the video “may impact the ongoing investigation.”
The footage, described as too graphic to reproduce, reportedly shows a man armed with what appears to be a knife holding another man on the ground while repeatedly attacking his neck. Bystanders can be heard shouting for the attacker to stop and urging others to help the victim.
One bystander shouted, “get off him you fucking rat… he’s cutting him, he’s cutting him.”
Another person could be heard saying, “he’s trying to cut his head off, isn’t he. Hurry up. He’s slicing his head up here, hurry up.”
Moments later, a bystander carrying an Irish hurling stick ran toward the attacker and struck him around the head before police arrived.
A knife was reportedly recovered at the scene.
The attack prompted calls for transparency from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who urged authorities to quickly release information about the suspect.
“What happened in Belfast last night is horrific. The authorities must reveal the identity and status of the attacker immediately. The public are entitled to the truth,” Farage said.
The PSNI’s later correction clarified that the suspect is Sudanese, not Somalian as initially believed. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that community safety remains their priority.
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