Police in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm after a Sudanese migrant was arrested over a knife attack in north Belfast that left a local man in serious condition and triggered public anger.
The attack took place late on Monday evening, with video of the assault spreading widely on social media. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the footage as “sickening,” while Northern Ireland’s political leaders condemned the attack and urged people not to allow anger to spill into disorder.
Police said the suspect, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his eyes and slash wounds to his face and back. He remained in serious condition in hospital.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the incident had been declared a “critical incident,” though police said it was not currently being treated as terrorism.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions, from fear to anger,” Henderson told a press conference. “I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to this.”
Police said the attack involved a kitchen knife. Footage from the scene appeared to show members of the public trying to intervene and fight off the attacker before officers arrived.
Henderson said the suspect was believed to have lived locally after being granted permission to remain in Northern Ireland following travel from Dublin.
The case has intensified debate over immigration, public safety and violent crime, coming after repeated protests in Britain and Northern Ireland over asylum policy and migrant-related crime. Northern Ireland also saw anti-immigrant disorder last year following anger over an alleged sexual assault.
Police warned the public against sharing graphic footage or unverified claims online, saying such material could inflame tensions.
A message circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp called for protests on Tuesday evening. Henderson said people had the right to make their views heard, but urged that any response remain peaceful.
“Nobody in Northern Ireland wants to see a repeat of the disorder that we have seen in recent years,” he said.
Northern Ireland’s main political party leaders issued a joint statement condemning the attack as “horrific” and backing the police investigation. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly separately described the incident as a “savage and barbaric attack.”