Man seriously injured in Belfast stabbing Starmer describes as ‘sickening’ | UK news
Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and described the incident as critical following a stabbing in Belfast.
The suspect was in custody and the victim was in a serious condition in hospital following Monday night’s attack, which sparked widespread shock and condemnation.
Keir Starmer described the attack as horrific and sickening. “I have absolutely no tolerance for such disgusting scenes of violence on our streets. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim and I thank the first responders, including the public, who intervened.”
The attack took place outside an apartment complex in north Belfast at around 10.30pm on Monday. In graphic video shared on social media, a man is seen straddling another man on the ground and hitting him in the head and neck. In the clip, people intervene to stop the attack and a man can be seen throwing a stick at the attacker.
It appears that there is no indication at this stage that the attack was terrorist-motivated.
Police said the man arrested was thought to be a Somali man in his 30s. The unnamed victim is in his 40s.
Deputy Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police had declared a critical incident and were investigating the cause of the incident. “This brutal attack will send shock waves through the community, causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.”
Police officers arrived at the scene within minutes, Henderson said. “We would like to thank members of the public who worked to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to come forward to help another person shows incredible courage and community spirit.”
Henderson urged people not to share or repost images or footage of the attack. “Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and could impact the ongoing investigation.”
Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long echoed the call, saying the images were “deeply disturbing and traumatic”.
Sinn Féin’s North Belfast MP John Finucane visited the scene on Tuesday morning and described the attack as “appalling”.
Democratic Unionist party leader Gavin Robinson called on police to explain the circumstances of the incident to combat misinformation. “This was medieval,” he told the BBC. “This was a systematic mutilation of a human being on the streets of Belfast.”
Reform England leader Nigel Farage said in a social media post that authorities should immediately disclose the suspect’s identity and immigration status.
It is understood the Police Service of Northern Ireland is holding urgent meetings to prepare plans for how to deal with unrest that may arise following the attack, after far-right figures online called on people to take to the streets wearing masks.
