Keir Starmer issues statement on ‘sickening’ knife attack in Belfast

"The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. "

A man in his 30s, who police believe to be Somali, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody following the incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday, per The BBC.

Videos circulating online shows several people, including one person wielding a hurling stick, confronting the attacker until the police arrived.

The man, aged in his 40s, who was attacked is in hospital now where his condition is described as serious.

Sir Keir Starmer has now issued a statement on X, writing: "The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.

"I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.

"My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."

The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.

I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.

My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 9, 2026

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said "a critical incident" has been declared and police have "commenced an investigation to establish a motive".

"This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern.

"I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.

"Our investigation is continuing at pace."

Henderson went on to say police were on the scene within minutes and acknowledged the members of the public "who strived to save the man from further attack".

He said they demonstrated "bravery and community spirit".

He asked that people do not share footage of the attack.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane called the attack "appalling".

"This is deeply shocking, there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities."

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor Jordan Doran said he was "left shocked and deeply concerned by footage circulating online" following the stabbing.

"Violence of this nature has no place in north Belfast," he added.

Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Jon Burrows said the incident was a "barbaric attack", adding that it has "caused shock across not only Northern Ireland but the entire United Kingdom," per The BBC.