- Joined
- Mar 11, 2013
- Messages
- 17,371
- Points
- 113
A man in his 40s was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after an attempted ‘beheading’ in a Belfast street last night. Police said today that a man believed to be Sudanese had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police rush to the scene of the stabbing in north Belfast. Picture: Social Media
In harrowing video posted online, an attacker can be seen straddling the bloodied victim’s neck armed with a knife.
He stabs the victim in the head repeatedly before taking the knife to the man’s neck, before members of the public rush over to stop the attack.
Bystanders can be heard screaming in the clip: "He’s trying to cut his head off".
Police said today that a Sudanese man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, the Northern Ireland Secretary said members of the public who intervened during a Belfast stabbing “showed the very best of humanity”.
Hilary Benn said the “thoughts of the whole House will be with” the victim and his loved ones.
He also told the Commons: “Amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.
“When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, members of the public did not walk on by.
“Instead, a number of them stepped forward and, at immense risk to their own safety, they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.
“To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.
“This was a horrific and brutal attack, and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are seeking to provide support and reassurance to the local community.
“The Chief Constable, to whom I have spoken twice this morning, and his officers have our full unwavering support as they pursue their inquiries.”
Police at the scene of the attack in Belfast. Picture: getty
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement today: “A man in his 30s, believed to be Sudanese, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault involving a knife in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday night, 8th June, shortly after 10.30pm.
"He remains in police custody. The injured man, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious. The attack has left the man with significant injuries to his face, neck and back."
Police said a Sudanese man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Picture: getty
Read more: Couple and terminally-ill son who fell to their deaths from London tower block named
Read more: Woke equality rules for police officers and nurses should be scrapped, Tories to say
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced an investigation to establish 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. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support."
A police cordon at the scene of the stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. Picture: Alamy
Sir Keir Starmer posted: "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 and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."
In harrowing video posted online, an attacker can be seen straddling the bloodied victim’s neck armed with a knife.
He stabs the victim in the head repeatedly before taking the knife to the man’s neck, before members of the public rush over to stop the attack.
Bystanders can be heard screaming in the clip: "He’s trying to cut his head off".
Police said today that a Sudanese man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, the Northern Ireland Secretary said members of the public who intervened during a Belfast stabbing “showed the very best of humanity”.
Hilary Benn said the “thoughts of the whole House will be with” the victim and his loved ones.
He also told the Commons: “Amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.
“When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, members of the public did not walk on by.
“Instead, a number of them stepped forward and, at immense risk to their own safety, they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.
“To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.
“This was a horrific and brutal attack, and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are seeking to provide support and reassurance to the local community.
“The Chief Constable, to whom I have spoken twice this morning, and his officers have our full unwavering support as they pursue their inquiries.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement today: “A man in his 30s, believed to be Sudanese, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault involving a knife in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday night, 8th June, shortly after 10.30pm.
"He remains in police custody. The injured man, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious. The attack has left the man with significant injuries to his face, neck and back."
Read more: Couple and terminally-ill son who fell to their deaths from London tower block named
Read more: Woke equality rules for police officers and nurses should be scrapped, Tories to say
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced an investigation to establish 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. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support."
Sir Keir Starmer posted: "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 and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."
