Calls for calm after ‘brutal’ knife attack in Belfast

Police and political figures have called for calm after a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast .

The victim, aged in his 40s, was left with serious injuries to his eyes, back and face after he was ferociously attacked with a kitchen knife in a residential area close to Antrim Road on Monday.

placeholder image — Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media at Police Headquarters in Belfast following a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The suspected knifeman, aged in his 30s and thought to be Sudanese, is understood to have leave to remain in Northern Ireland , having travelled there from Dublin .

So far there is no information to suggest that the attack had any terrorist motivation.

There have been calls for protests on social media sparked by the fact that the suspect is a migrant.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson called for calm, and urged people to avoid a repeat of previous disorder that has erupted in the city.

He said he shares "the public revulsion over the brutal nature of this attack".

"We're also aware of calls this evening for protest activity across Northern Ireland , and continue to monitor that situation accordingly," he told reporters.

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

"Our officers have a role to facilitate and accommodate peaceful protest.

"Everyone in Northern Ireland will however sadly remember the disorder which took place over the last two years. No-one needs to say 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."

He said that all focus should instead be on the criminal justice process.

There were also appeals for calm from across the political spectrum at Westminster.

Downing Street said "it's important that police have the time and space to investigate appropriately", while DUP leader Gavin Robinson said there was a "collective desire for calm".

Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice said: "Calm is essential following the brutal attack in Belfast last night."