Alleged Belfast knife attacker had been granted leave to remain in UK

Alleged Belfast knife attacker had been granted leave to remain in UK Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no indication the attack was terror-related 15:23, 09 Jun 2026 Updated 15:29, 09 Jun 2026 Kinnaird Avenue Scene Landscape The victim of the Belfast knife attack has sustained significant injuries to his eyes, while his alleged attacker had leave to remain in the UK, having travelled to Northern Ireland from Dublin , police said. The suspect, a Sudanese man in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the assault on Monday night. As well as the eye injuries, the victim also sustained slash wounds to his face and back, police said. Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no indication the attack was terror related and pleaded for calm ahead of protests expected later. Commenting on the immigration status of the suspect, Mr Henderson said the PSNI understood he had leave to remain in the UK. He said it was understood the man had entered the UK across the Irish border, having travelled from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. He was living close to the scene of the incident, Mr Henderson said. The PSNI has launched a “critical incident” in response to the attack which was captured on video and appears to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was lying on the ground. The clip shows people, including one with a hurling stick, intervening to stop the man attacking the victim in the Kinnaird Avenue residential area close to the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast. A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene, Mr Henderson said. The victim, aged in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital. Police initially said they believed the suspect in custody was from Somalia but later clarified that he is Sudanese. Mr Henderson told reporters in Belfast: “At this stage, we have no information to suggest that this was a terrorist-related incident. “However, I must stress, I must stress, we are still at the early stages of our investigation.” Mr Henderson said he was aware of plans for protests in Northern Ireland in response to the incident. He appealed to people to ensure the demonstrations remained peaceful. But he said there should be no repeat of disorder previously seen in the city when anti-immigration protests descended into violence. “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.” On the prospect of disorder, he warned: “No one needs to see a repeat of this. “This only causes damage to the community, and unfortunately, young people often get caught up in that disorder, so I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to this. “All of our focus must be on a criminal justice investigation.” ‌ Mr Henderson was asked about the suspect’s immigration status as he fielded questions from journalists at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast. “My understanding is that the individual came into Northern Ireland from Dublin, moving up, and then was granted leave to remain,” he said. He said the Home Office “will be confirming that in more detail in due course”. ‌ Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack. “The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening,” he said. “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 scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue remained cordoned off on Tuesday, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and expressions of concern across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland and beyond. ‌ The leaders of the five largest parties at Stormont issued a joint statement in response to the attack. Sinn Féin 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.” The political leaders urged anyone with information that could help the police investigation to assist detectives. They also issued an appeal for calm. ‌ “We support the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their ongoing investigation and urge anyone with information, or relevant footage, to assist them. “It is essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process,” they added. “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.” Kemi Badenoch said she was “absolutely horrified” by the attack in Belfast. Asked by journalists about the stabbing, the Conservative leader said she had seen “grainy images” of the incident. ‌ She added, “I’m absolutely horrified. It is a horrific incident.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called on the authorities to disclose full details on the immigration status of the suspect. Commenting on the incident, Mr Farage posted on social media: “What happened in Belfast last night is horrific.” Article continues below For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here .