Belfast knife attack accused told police, "I killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead", court hears

Belfast knife attack accused told police, "I killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead", court hears Dressed in a grey custody suit and slumped in a chair flanked by police officers, he made no response when the charges were read to him via an Arabic interpreter 11:45, 10 Jun 2026 Updated 11:55, 10 Jun 2026 A man accused of a violent knife attack in Belfast allegedly told police, "I killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead", a court heard today. Sudanese national Hadi Alodid allegedly inflicted deep cuts to the victim’s head, face and back during the violent knife attack on Monday night, police disclosed. The victim has lost one eye and suffered severe damage to the other. The 30-year-old asylum seeker was remanded in custody charged with attempted murder and possessing a bladed article in public. He faces a further count of threatening to kill a female NHS radiographer. Alodid, with an address at Duncairn Avenue in the city , was refused bail at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and remanded in custody until next month. Police arrested him after they called to the scene of the stabbing on Kinnaird Avenue . The victim, aged in his forties, remains in hospital receiving treatment for what has been described as life-changing injuries. Video footage circulated widely online showed members of the public intervening in a bid to stop the attack. One of those who went to his aid repeatedly struck the assailant with a hurling stick before PSNI officers arrived. The attack has sparked protests and serious disorder across the city, with some families forced to flee their homes as properties, cars and a bus were set alight on Tuesday. Alodid appeared in court remotely from the nearby Musgrave Police Station . Dressed in a grey custody suit and slumped in a chair flanked by police officers, he made no response when the charges were read to him via an Arabic interpreter. District Judge Steven Keown was told he had refused any legal representation but wanted to seek bail. The court heard police arrived at the scene to discover Alodid armed with a knife and on top of the victim lying on the ground. Officers removed the defendant from the injured man and were able to restrain him. “As a result of the assault the victim has lost his left eye and has severe damage to his right eye,” a detective inspector revealed. “He has deep cuts to his head and face, and long lacerations on his back.” Alodid was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to a hand injury. While he was there he allegedly stated: “I killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead.” Police claimed he then declared to medical staff: “I will kill you.” Opposing bail, the detective warned of further significant public disorder if Alodid was released. “The nature of the offences was extremely serious and unpredictable in nature,” she said. Further concerns were raised that the defendant could flee, based on his connections outside the jurisdiction. Alodid is understood to have claimed asylum after travelling from Dublin to enter Northern Ireland in 2023. He was granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom until 2028. “The police are not aware of any family ties in Northern Ireland, he is not in settled employment,” the detective added. “He may fear either for his own safety within the jurisdiction given the significant public and media attention, or the possibility of a long custodial sentence.” ‌ Alodid made no reply when asked if he wanted to make any submissions. He was refused bail and remanded in custody until July 8. Mr Keown cited the risks that he could re-offend or flee, along with further public disorder. Expressing sympathy for the victim and his family, he praised the emergency services and members of the public for trying to help him in dangerous circumstances. ‌ The judge also issued a warning that any further disorder will not be tolerated by the courts. “I note on social media there have been calls for all men over 18 to close roads and wear dark clothing, be prepared to fight and be arrested,” he said. “That notice should also have said that anybody who does involve themselves in any such behaviour, attacks on our community or any members of our community can also expect to go to prison. That message should be sent out loud and clear.” Article continues below For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.