Belfast knife attack: Here's what we know so far

A man has been left with significant injuries to his eyes while his alleged attacker has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in Belfast.

The suspect, who is from Sudan and is in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the attack on Monday night.

Here is everything we know about the attack so far.

Belfast attack latest: Police call for calm

What happened?

Footage of the attack shared on social media appears to show a man stabbing at the victim's head and neck while he was lying on the ground.

Several people, including one with a hurling stick, can be seen fighting off the attacker before the police arrived.

The stabbing happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area, close to the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a kitchen knife was recovered from the scene.

Who is the suspect?

The suspect is a Sudanese man who is in his 30s. Police initially said they believed him to be from Somalia.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, of the PSNI, said it was understood the suspect had leave to remain in the UK on 28 September 2023.

He is believed to have travelled from Sudan to Paris, then flew to Dublin, before travelling to Belfast by bus on 10 February 2023, where he claimed asylum.

"There is no trace of this suspect on any of our national security databases, and he was not known to the Police Service of Northern Ireland," Mr Boutcher said.

Police added that it is understood the alleged attacker lived locally.

Attack was not terror-related

The PSNI launched a "critical incident" in response to the attack.

However, the force said there was no indication the stabbing was terror-related.

"I've been in direct contact with the head of terrorism policing in the UK. At this stage we have no information to suggest that this was terrorist related," Mr Boutcher said.

"I do appreciate the nature of the attack has led to speculation it is terrorist related, however there is nothing to suggest that that is the case."

What is the status of the victim?

The victim of the stabbing was left with significant injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his face and back, police said.

The man, aged in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Calls for calm

Both the police and political figures have called for "calm" after the attack.

The stabbing sparked calls for protest on social media over the fact the suspect is a migrant.

It comes amid heightened tensions following the murder of a university student, Henry Nowak, who was killed by a Sikh man, Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed to police he had been the victim of a racist attack.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson called for calm, urging the public to avoid a repeat of previous disorder that erupted in Belfast last year when two Romanian teenagers were charged with attempted rape.

"I understand that last night's attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger," he said.

"Our officers have a role to facilitate and accommodate peaceful protest. Everyone in Northern Ireland will sadly remember the disorder which took place over the last two years. 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 that disorder.

"So I appeal for calm, and the safety of all our communities in response to this."

Reaction to the attack

Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, saying: "The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.

"My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."

The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement in response to the attack.

Sinn Fein vice president and Stormont First Minister Michelle O'Neill, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Jon Burrows and SDLP leader Claire Hanna said they were "united in our condemnation of the horrific incident in North Belfast last night".

"There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality," they said. "Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery.

"Our thoughts are also with those eyewitnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened. We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community.

"We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved."

They urged anyone with information that could help the police investigation to help detectives and issued an appeal for calm.

A spokesperson for the force added: "It is essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process. We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities.

"We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course."

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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "absolutely horrified" by the attack.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called on the authorities to disclose the full details on the immigration status of the suspect.

In a post on social media he said: "What happened in Belfast last night is horrific."

Police and politicians have urged people not to share graphic images of the attack, which were circulating online, or to spread disinformation.

(c) Sky News 2026: Belfast knife attack: Here's what we know so far