A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious knife attack in north Belfast. Police said the suspect, in his 30s and believed to be Somalian, remains in custody following the incident on Kinnaird Avenue shortly after 10.30pm on Monday.

The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered significant injuries to his face, neck and back. He was taken to hospital where his condition remains serious.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson declared a critical incident and said an investigation has begun to establish a motive. He confirmed officers were on the scene within minutes and praised members of the public who intervened before police arrived. Their willingness to help another person showed incredible bravery and community spirit, he added.

Video footage circulated online showing bystanders confronting the suspect, including one person armed with a hurling stick. Police urged people not to share the images, warning they risk causing further trauma to the victim’s family and could harm the investigation.

Political leaders across Northern Ireland condemned the violence. First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the attack as harrowing and recognised the courage of those who stepped in. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly spoke with the chief constable and emphasised the need for clear public communication. Justice Minister Naomi Long said there is no place for such violence and asked people not to share the graphic footage.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson called the attack barbaric and medieval, and said it was essential that police release full facts to prevent misinformation. Several politicians, including TUV’s Ron McDowell, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, urged authorities to disclose the suspect’s immigration status. Stormont party leaders issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with the victim and eyewitnesses, and calling for calm while the investigation proceeds.

Social media posts called for protests and road closures in Belfast on Tuesday evening. The PSNI appealed for any witnesses or those with dash-cam or CCTV footage to come forward. The Northern Ireland Assembly debated the matter on Tuesday, with members reiterating condemnation of the violence.

The PSNI can be contacted on 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.