TUV demands immediate disclosure after “horrific” Belfast knife attack video spreads online

Police arrived at the incident in Belfast where the video reveals the attacker raise a knife in the air, shouting, before proceeding to try and cut at the victim’s neck.

A widely circulated video showing a brutal stabbing in north Belfast has sparked political demands for the immediate release of details relating to the suspect’s nationality, immigration status and religion following what one senior unionist described as “one of the most horrific pieces of footage” he had ever seen.

The incident happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area late on Monday night, 8 June, and left one man in hospital with serious injuries after what police described as a stabbing attack.

Footage shared extensively across social media appears to show a foreign national sitting on top of a bloodied man lying helpless on the ground. In the video, the attacker raises a knife in the air while shouting in a foreign language before appearing to attempt to slash at the victim’s neck.

The graphic footage quickly spread online overnight, prompting widespread public reaction and political comment on Tuesday morning.

TUV calls for immediate disclosure

On Tuesday morning, 9 June, the TUV publicly called on authorities to release further details about the man arrested in connection with the attack.

In a statement, TUV deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell said he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and the footage that followed.

He said:

“I was deeply shocked to learn of the serious stabbing incident in the Kinnaird Avenue area of North Belfast last night. A video of the incident on social media is one of the most horrific pieces of footage I have ever witnessed. The savagery on display is chilling.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family at what must be an incredibly traumatic time. I also want to pay tribute to the members of the public who showed incredible bravery in intervening to bring the assault to an end.

“I welcome the fact that an arrest has been made and look forward to swift and robust justice.

“There is a responsibility on the police and media organisations not to dance around this issue as there was following the Southport attacks.

“I note that Rupert Lowe MP has written to the Prime Minister calling for the immediate release of the nationality, immigration status and religion of the man who has been arrested.

“TUV supports and echoes that call. It must happen immediately.”

Police investigation continues

The PSNI confirmed officers remained at the scene as enquiries continued following the late-night attack.

In a statement issued after the incident, police said:

“Police in north Belfast are currently in attendance at Kinnaird Avenue following the report of a stabbing incident shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June.

“A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is in police custody while a second man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“Officers will remain in the area to conduct their enquiries and would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, to call them at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.”

Police have also appealed for information through the PSNI online reporting portal at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ while anonymous reports can be submitted through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Graphic footage fuels public reaction

The incident has generated significant online reaction across Northern Ireland after the video rapidly circulated overnight on social media platforms.

While police have confirmed an arrest and serious injuries, further details about the individuals involved had not been officially released as of Tuesday morning.

The attack is likely to intensify wider political debate around public safety, transparency and immigration issues in Northern Ireland, particularly following growing online scrutiny surrounding the circulation of graphic violent footage and demands for faster official disclosure following major incidents