Sudanese man held after brutal north Belfast attack leaves victim with serious eye injuries

ACC Ryan Henderson speaking to media at police headquarters.

A man remains in hospital with devastating injuries to his eyes, face and back after what police have described as a “brutal” attempted murder in north Belfast that has sparked shock, fear and growing political tensions across Northern Ireland.

Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that a Sudanese man in his 30s remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area on Monday night.

The victim suffered serious slash wounds during the incident, which happened at around 10.30pm, and was rushed to hospital after members of the public intervened to help him before emergency services arrived.

Senior PSNI officers have now appealed for calm amid rising community concern, online speculation and calls for protest activity across Northern Ireland.

Victim suffered serious injuries in attack

Speaking during a press conference at PSNI headquarters in Belfast on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said detectives and specialist officers are continuing to support the injured man and his family.

“He is in hospital with serious injuries to his eyes and slash-wound injuries to his back and face,” ACC Henderson said.

Police said officers arrived within minutes of the emergency call and detained the suspect at the scene while administering first aid to the victim before the arrival of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody on Tuesday afternoon.

Police also confirmed they are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.

PSNI says no evidence attack was terror-related

The severity of the assault has led to widespread speculation online, with police acknowledging growing public concern over the nature of the incident.

ACC Henderson said senior counter-terrorism officials had been consulted during the investigation because of the brutality of the attack.

“Throughout today we have been liaising with senior counter-terrorism officials,” he said.

“Due to the nature of the attack, at this stage we have no information to suggest this was terrorist-related. However, we are still at the early stages of our investigation.”

Police said the suspect is now understood to be Sudanese after earlier inaccurate online claims incorrectly identified his nationality.

ACC Henderson also spoke of the “public’s revulsion” at the violence, warning that the incident had sent “shockwaves through the community”.

Warning over protests and online footage

The PSNI said officers are preparing for possible protest activity across Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening and confirmed there will be an increased police presence in communities.

ACC Henderson appealed directly for calm, warning against a repeat of disorder seen across Northern Ireland in recent years.

“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to angry,” he said.

“No one needs to see a repeat of this – this only causes damage to local communities and unfortunately young people often get caught up in this disorder.”

Police also urged the public not to circulate graphic footage or images linked to the attack online.

“We would ask that the public are mindful of what they view or share online,” ACC Henderson said.

“By sharing footage, this could risk causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation.”

Jim Allister links attack to border and immigration concerns

TUV leader Jim Allister MP said the incident had intensified concerns around immigration controls and the lack of border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“The fact that the suspect detained in relation to last night’s brutal attack came to Northern Ireland via Dublin underscores the absolute folly of not having checks on the border with the Irish Republic,” Mr Allister said.

“How many other characters like this have been able to just hop on a bus in Dublin and travel to this part of the UK no questions asked?”

The North Antrim MP said his party had repeatedly warned about the implications of the open border on immigration policy.

“TUV has been highlighting for months, that the open border with the Irish Republic is not just a constitutional outrage but madness when it comes to immigration policy,” he said.

“In light of last night’s horrific events this can no longer be brushed under the carpet.

“How many more attempted murders will we have to see before the border is enforced?

“The safety of people of all communities in Northern Ireland demands immediate action.”

Public asked to help investigation

The PSNI has appealed for witnesses, dash-cam footage and CCTV from the Kinnaird Avenue area that could assist detectives investigating the attempted murder.

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

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

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

As police continue what they have described as a “fast-time investigation”, officers say communities across Northern Ireland can expect a heightened security presence aimed at preventing further tensions and reassuring the public following an attack that has already triggered widespread alarm and political reaction.