A man has been arrested following a serious assault in North Belfast on Monday night. Police detained a Sudanese national in connection with the incident. The victim is receiving treatment, and political leaders have expressed hope for his full recovery.

Party group leaders at Belfast City Council released a statement on Tuesday condemning the violence. They said such acts caused real distress and fear, and urged the public not to share graphic footage circulating online. The council appealed for anyone with information to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

A separate joint statement from the leaders of Northern Ireland’s main political parties also condemned the attack. It described the assault as brutal and said there was no place in society for such acts. The party leaders acknowledged the bravery of members of the public who intervened and called for calm while the investigation proceeds.

Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan issued his own condemnation, thanking police and ambulance staff who responded, as well as those who stepped in to help. He welcomed the PSNI’s quick public updates and the Chief Constable’s reassurance to the community. Mr Mullan warned against any disruption or disorder that could divert police resources from those in need.

The attack also sparked political exchanges. SDLP MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood wrote on social media that English right-wing politicians should not exploit the incident for their own ends, and noted he did not recall them commenting on other serious events in that community. DUP Assembly member Julie Middleton criticised Mr Eastwood, saying he was out of touch with public sentiment and had been an absentee MP who failed to raise constituents’ concerns. She linked the incident to the debate on immigration and border control.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, commenting on the arrest, said leave-to-remain status was being handed out too freely and that people who cause harm should not be in the country. His remarks added to the wider discussion around immigration policy following the attack.

All official statements stressed the importance of allowing the PSNI to conduct a thorough investigation. They urged anyone with footage or information to assist detectives or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.