A man in his 40s who was seriously injured during an assault in Belfast last night suffered “significant injuries to his eyes”, the PSNI have confirmed.
The “horror” attack, which took place in the Kinnaird Avenue area of Belfast at approximately 10:30 pm yesterday, Monday, the 8th of June, was partially captured on video before being spread across social media.
A Sudanese man in his 30s has been arrested, and police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the assault.
The suspect, who has not been named, came to Dublin on a flight from Paris in February 2023 before making his way to Belfast, where he is reported to have immediately claimed asylum.
He was later granted refugee status and was given leave to remain until 2028.
A series of protests has been planned in response as the PSNI have appealed for restraint.
At a press conference, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, accused a journalist of being “fake news” after he questioned Sinn Féin’s “instances on a porous border” between the North and the Republic.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said, “This morning, many people will have awoken to the very distressing news about this brutal attack.”
“My first thoughts are with the victim and his family, and our detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this really difficult time in their lives.”
The man who is aged in his 40s, was seriously injured in this knife attack,” he said, adding, “It’s important to acknowledge straight away at the outset the bravery of those members of the public who ran towards danger to intervene and help the injured man. Our position is to provide as much verified information to you, the public, as possible as our investigation continues”
Detailing the time and place of the attack, he said, “officers arrived within minutes to detain and arrest the suspect and administer first aid, and they were joined at the scene by colleagues from Northern Ireland ambulance service.”
“The victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wound injuries to his back and face.”
“The suspect, a man in his 30s who we now understand to be Sudanese, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He is in custody, and at this time, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation. ”
He continued, “What is believed to be a kitchen knife was recovered at the scene. I share your revulsion over the brutal nature of this attack, which has created concern across Northern Ireland and further afield.”
“I also understand that there are questions regarding the nature of the attack. So throughout today we’ve been liaising with senior counter terrorism partners, and at this stage we have no information to suggest that this was terrorist related. However, I must stress that we are still at the very early stages of our investigation.”
“This brutal attack will understandably have sent shockwaves through the community, and I want to reassure all of our communities that your safety is our priority. So we’re currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.”
Turning to the oncoming evening, Henderson said that the public could expect “an increased police presence across Northern Ireland” and “over the coming days to help reassure all of our communities and keep them safe.”
He appealed to the public to “not share footage” that could “cause trauma and risk to the loved ones of those families involved and on our investigation.”
“We’re also aware of protest activity planned across Northern Ireland this evening and continue to monitor that and plan accordingly.”
“I know that last night left people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger. People will want to have their voices heard, but we all remember over the last two years, significant disorder that only led to damage in our communities and young people getting caught up in disorder. So I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to this.”
He promised that the PSNI would provide “clear, factual, and accurate information” through the “fast-time investigation.”
Restore Britian leader, MP Rupert Lowe, has called on protesters not to attack the police during demonstrations.
“Patriots – if you are protesting tonight, in Belfast or elsewhere, do NOT give Starmer what he wants. Stay calm. Keep your heads. Do NOT attack the police. The state will show you no mercy,” he said.
“The dangerous ‘far-right’ will be blamed, and your life will be ruined forever. It will be that brutal. However angry you are feeling now, it is not worth it. Protest – but do it loudly, do it peacefully. If the police are being aggressive, record it. Film it. Do not react. Because you will not be shown the same leniency as the officers. You will be charged, you will be sentenced, you will be imprisoned. We’re all angry,” he said on X.
He also called for “no more asylum seekers”, holding Reform’s Suella Braverman, then Tory Home Secretary, and Robert Jenrick, then Immigration Secretary, partly responsible for the suspect being granted leave to remain.