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The suspect, who is in his 30s, remains in custody after the incident, which occurred at about 22:30 BST on Monday. Officers said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the attack.
Police recovered what they believe to be a kitchen knife from the scene. The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries including slash wounds to his face and back as well as damage to an eye. He remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Authorities praised members of the public who intervened before officers arrived, saying their actions helped save the victim’s life. Video shared online appeared to show local residents confronting the suspect, including one person carrying a hurling stick.
Suspect’s Immigration Status
The UK Home Office said the suspect entered the country in 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year. He currently has leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
According to the Home Office, the man said he entered the UK through the Common Travel Area. Police initially stated that the suspect was Somali but later corrected the information, confirming he is Sudanese.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said investigators believe the man travelled from Sudan to Paris before flying to Dublin and then taking a bus to Belfast, where he claimed asylum on 10 February 2023.
Boutcher said there was no record of the suspect on national security databases and that he was not previously known to the PSNI.
Police Appeal for Calm
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police had consulted counter-terrorism partners but currently had no evidence indicating the attack was terrorism-related. He stressed that inquiries remain at an early stage.
Police also urged the public not to speculate about the case or share inaccurate information online regarding the victim’s condition.
With calls for protests circulating on social media, Henderson appealed for calm and said an increased police presence would be deployed across Northern Ireland in the coming days. He added that other UK police forces had offered support if required.
Some businesses announced early closures following the incident, while public transport operator Translink said services were expected to run normally. The Belfast Health Trust and the Driver and Vehicle Agency also outlined contingency measures in response to potential disruption.
Witnesses Describe Shock
A local resident who contacted emergency services described being deeply shaken by the attack. She said she heard screams outside her home and helped relay information to police through a delivery driver’s phone.
The woman said several people attempted to intervene as the incident unfolded and described the scene as unlike anything she had witnessed before. She added that the attack had left her fearful about safety in her neighbourhood.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Northern Ireland’s five main political parties issued a joint statement condemning what they described as a horrific act of violence. They expressed support for the victim, those who witnessed the attack and members of the public who stepped in to help.
Political leaders urged people not to share graphic footage and called for patience while police continue their investigation.
Several politicians, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, called for further information about the suspect’s background and immigration status.
Community organisations also condemned the attack and appealed for unity, warning against allowing the incident to divide local communities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026
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