HERO bystanders stepped in and hit a suspected knifeman with a hurling stick in a horror “attempted beheading” in Belfast.
Police said the victim – a man in his 40s – suffered “significant” injuries to his eyes in the brutal attack, along with slashes to his neck and back.
Officers were scrambled to Kinnaird Avenue in the north of Belfast at around 10.30pm yesterday after receiving reports of the knife attack.
Harrowing footage appears to show a knifeman slashing the victim’s neck and face with a blade as onlookers yell “get off”.
One appears to shout: “He’s trying to cut his head off.”
Heroic bystanders and cops stepped in to intervene, “undoubtedly” saving the victim’s life – with one passerby tackling the attacker with a hurling stick.
Cops later confirmed they had arrested a Sudanese man in his 30s, who is understood to have lived in the area and had leave to remain after crossing the border from the Republic of Ireland.
He was held on suspicion of attempted murder.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the suspect is believed to have travelled from Sudan to Paris, and then from Paris to Dublin, on unknown dates, before taking a bus to Belfast in February 2023.
He then immediately claimed asylum, before he was given leave to remain in the UK in September 2023.
PSNI said the victim remains in hospital in a serious condition – with significant injuries to his eyes, and serious slash wounds to his neck and back.
The vile attack has sparked fury and shock, being condemned as “sickening” and branded a “medieval mutilation” with politicians calling for answers as cops call for calm.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson told reporters the PSNI is monitoring calls for protest in the aftermath of the horrific attack.
He added that the Sudanese suspect had entered the country from Dublin – and is believed to have been granted leave to remain.
He later said the incident is also not believed to be terror related but said the investigation was still in its early stages.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”
PSNI officers said they had recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife at the scene of the harrowing attack.
Officers remained on the residential street today – with the area taped off as a probe into the incident got underway.
Pictures show what appears to be a bloody piece of fabric laying on the road – with yellow police evidence markers placed on the ground.
Cops in forensic suits were pictured collecting items as part of their probe.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I’m absolutely horrified. It is a horrific incident.
“I haven’t heard anything about who the attacker might have been, but I think a lot of people will start wondering yet again, is this someone who should not have been in our country? Have there been failings around our borders?
“I would urge the police to bring the facts out as quickly as possible so that we can get some clarity.”
Reform leader Nigel Farage added: “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.”
Cops have since confirmed that the incident is not thought to have been a terrorist attack but said that the investigation is at an early stage.
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.
“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.”
Speaking the Commons and addressing Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: “This needs to be a time for honesty and openness and truth.”
He said there was a concern there could be “violence” and asked Benn if he shared a fear that “community cohesion lies on the precipice”.
Mr Benn echoed Mr Robinson’s call for calm, saying it was “communities that suffer” when there is disorder on the streets, but did not confirm that the attacker was in the UK on a visa.
Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39348347/knifeman-stabbing-belfast-neck/