‘Alien culture’ warning after Sudanese man arrested over north Belfast knife attack

Jim Allister says attack reflects ‘alien culture’, while UUP Leader Jon Burrows has secured Matter if the Day for the brutal incident to be discussed in The Assembly

TUV leader Jim Allister has linked brutal knife attack in north Belfast to “unchecked immigration” and Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots accepted a Matter of the Day from Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows following the declaration of a PSNI critical incident.

The chilling attack has left a man with serious injuries to his face, neck and back. and arrested. Police have arrested the attacker, who at the time they believed to be Somali. on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police subsequently confirmed the attacker to be from Sudan.

The assault happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area shortly after 10.30pm on Monday night, 8 June, and has sent shockwaves through the local community following the circulation of graphic footage online.

The injured victim, a man in his 40s, remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The perpetrator, a man in his 30s, remains in police custody as detectives continue investigations into the motive behind the attack.

The incident has rapidly become a major political issue in both Westminster and Stormont amid growing public concern over violent crime, immigration and community safety.

Critical incident declared by PSNI

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed the PSNI had formally declared the incident critical because of the seriousness of the assault and its impact on the wider community.

He 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.”

The senior PSNI officer praised members of the public who intervened during the incident before officers arrived.

“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,” he said.

“Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.”

Jim Allister says attack reflects ‘alien culture’

TUV leader Jim Allister MP described the attack as “murderous” and claimed it reflected what he called an “alien culture” imported through unchecked immigration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Allister said:

“Last night’s murderous attack in North Belfast is not just savage in itself but indicative of the alien culture that has been imported through unchecked immigration.

“The brave intervention of locals is the only bright spot in this dark orgy of violence.

“There must be no hiding of the ethnicity and background of the attacker, such as we’ve seen in cases in GB, because such only stokes up tensions.

“Effective state action on uncontrolled immigration and knife crime is the only stabilising antidote in this dangerous situation.

“Cool heads, of course, are needed, but the police and the government must be shown to be effective.

“I have tabled a request for an Urgent Oral Question in the Commons.”

The comments came as political pressure intensified following widespread circulation of video footage linked to the incident across social media platforms.

Stormont Matter of the Day accepted

The incident is also set to be formally discussed at Stormont after the Speaker accepted a Matter of the Day submitted by Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows.

The debate will focus on the serious incident that unfolded in north Belfast and the wider public concern that has followed.

The PSNI has urged members of the public not to continue sharing footage and images connected to the attack online.

Mr Henderson warned that reposting graphic content risked causing additional trauma to the victim’s loved ones and could also impact the ongoing investigation.

Police appeal for information

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and for anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.

Reports can also be submitted online through the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Police enquiries remain ongoing as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted murder investigation and the motive behind the attack.