Footage shows bystanders trying to stop attacker before police arrive; suspect held for attempted murder
A man sits on the chest of a victim as he attacks him with a knife, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, June 8, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Social media/via REUTERS
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 and 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 and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 9, 2026
The case is not currently being treated as terrorism. It comes amid heightened tensions in Britain following recent violent incidents and debates over immigration, with renewed scrutiny of asylum policy and public disorder concerns.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson called the incident “critical” and 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 and 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.