Police issue update Belfast knife attack

They answered pressing questions from the press

A man in his 30s, who police initially believed to be Somali, but who has since said he is Sudanese, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He 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 show 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.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson opened the news conference by describing the incident as a “brutal attack” and said the force’s “first thoughts are with the victim and his family.”

"Detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this very difficult time," he adds.

Henderson goes on to say that police recovered "what is believed to be a kitchen knife" at the scene.

"The victim was taken to the hospital with significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wound injuries to his back and face."

Henderson continued by stating the police are liaising with counter-terror police, and there is "no information" to suggest this is a terrorist-related incident.

He tells the news conference: "We're ruling out a terrorist motivation at this stage."

He explained: "Today we've been liaising with senior counter-terrorism partners. At this stage, we have no information to suggest that this was a terrorist related incident.

"However, I must stress, we are still at the early stages of our investigation. This brutal attack has sent shockwaves through our communities, and I want to reassure all of our communities. Your safety is our priority."

One of the main questions doing the rounds online is whether the attacker was residing in the country legally, as well as how they entered.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson says it's his understanding that "the individual was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland," per Sky News.

"I'm aware of speculation in relation to the suspect's immigration status. This morning, I've been talking to colleagues from the Home Office whose role it is to manage the immigration status of individuals.

"I can confirm my understanding is that the individual was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland," Henderson said.

He went on to add that the Home Office will be "confirming the exact details" in the coming days.

Police were then asked whether there was any altercation or reports of disturbances before the incident, but Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson says he "does not want to speculate".

Henderson does go on to confirm that police believe the suspect lived close by to where the incident took place.

When asked whether the suspect was known to the victim, he says that it will "clearly be an important line of enquiry", but he again does not want to speculate. 

Police are aware of pictures and videos circulating on social media, as well as people online calling for protests after the attack.

Addressing them, ACC Henderson stresses that the force understands "people will want to have their voice heard".

However, he insists this needs to happen in a "peaceful" and calm way, per Sky News.