Critical incident declared after Sudanese man arrested over brutal north Belfast knife attack

Police have declared a critical incident after a man, who they first believed to be Somali but later confirmed was Sudanese, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a brutal knife attack that left another man with serious injuries to his face, neck and back in north Belfast.

The assault happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area shortly after 10.30pm on Monday night, 8 June, and has sparked widespread shock across Northern Ireland following the circulation of graphic footage online.

The injured victim, a man in his 40s, remains in hospital where his condition is described as serious.

A man in his 30s remains in police custody as detectives continue an intensive investigation into the motive behind the attack.

Footage widely shared across social media appeared to show the suspect holding a knife over the injured man while members of the public intervened in an effort to stop the assault.

PSNI launches major investigation

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed the PSNI has formally declared the incident critical due to the severity of the attack and the impact on the local 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 officer also praised members of the public who stepped in during the attack before police arrived at the scene.

“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.”

Warning over online footage

Police have strongly urged the public not to continue sharing videos and images linked to the incident online, warning that doing so risks further traumatising the victim’s family and could impact the investigation.

Mr Henderson said:

“We are also aware of footage circulating online and we would strongly urge members of the public not to share or repost these images.

“Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time.

“As our investigation continues we will provide further updates.”

The incident has triggered significant public concern given the seriousness of the injuries involved and the disturbing nature of footage circulated online overnight.

Police officers remained in the Kinnaird Avenue area on Tuesday as enquiries continued.

Appeal for witnesses and information

Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area, to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to call 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 by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

The PSNI investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances and motive surrounding the attempted murder investigation.