‘Violence is never the answer’: UUP leader urges calm after North Belfast knife attack

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA speaking on Tuesday in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has called for calm across Northern Ireland following a shocking attempted murder in north Belfast that has left a man in a serious condition in hospital.

Speaking after raising the incident in the Assembly on Tuesday morning, Mr Burrows condemned what he described as a “barbaric attack” and warned against escalating tensions as graphic footage and misinformation continue circulating online.

“This was a barbaric attack and the scenes witnessed on social media have shocked people right across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“My thoughts are entirely with the victim and I pray for his recovery.”

Police have confirmed the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital following the knife attack, amid what the PSNI described as “strong community concerns” surrounding the incident.

PSNI issue clarification amid misinformation online

In an updated statement on Tuesday afternoon, police said they were aware of inaccurate online claims regarding the victim’s condition and moved to correct misinformation spreading on social media.

The PSNI said:

“We understand there are strong community concerns after last night’s shocking attempted murder in north Belfast.

“We are aware of inaccurate online posts regarding the victim’s condition. We can confirm that the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital.”

Police also clarified details regarding the suspect currently in custody.

“As our investigation has progressed, we can also confirm that the man in custody is Sudanese and not Somalian, as initially believed,” the statement added.

The force said the investigation remains fast-moving and further updates will be provided as enquiries continue.

Burrows praises public and emergency responders

Mr Burrows thanked members of the public who intervened during the attack, alongside emergency medical teams and police officers responding at the scene.

“I want to thank the courageous members of the public who intervened to save that man’s life, the medics treating him today, and the PSNI for their swift response,” he said.

The UUP leader also revealed he had spoken directly with senior police officers and had been assured additional resources would be deployed to help maintain public safety.

“I have spoken personally with senior police officers today and have been assured that resources will be mobilised this evening to keep the community safe and reduce tensions,” he said.

Mr Burrows further urged police to continue releasing accurate information publicly to prevent rumours and disinformation from worsening community tensions.

“I also asked the PSNI to be proactive in releasing factual, accurate information as a vacuum of information only breeds disinformation,” he added.

Appeal for calm across Northern Ireland

As the attempted murder investigation continues, Mr Burrows appealed for restraint and urged people not to respond with further violence.

“My message to everyone across Northern Ireland is simple: violence is never the answer, and breaking the law is never the answer,” he said.

“Show your solidarity with the victim. Support our police. And help us all promote the good relations and community safety that our people deserve.”

He added that Northern Ireland now needed “calm, measured leadership” as communities absorb the aftermath of the attack and police continue their enquiries.

The PSNI investigation into the attempted murder remains ongoing.