Video: Hero locals step in, beat Belfast knifeman with sticks to stop 'beheading' attack
A Sudanese man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said they had recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife and launched a major investigation into the incident.
Heroic locals stepped in to stop an African man armed with a blade during a brutal attack in Belfast, striking and tackling the alleged assailant as he appeared to attack a man lying on the ground, an intervention police say likely saved the victim's life.
The disturbing incident unfolded on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30 pm on Monday. A video footage appears to show a man straddling another man on the ground and repeatedly lunging towards him with what witnesses described as a blade while horrified onlookers screamed for him to stop.
According to footage reported by The Sun, several people can be heard shouting "Get off" as the attack continues. One witness is heard yelling: "He's trying to cut his head off." Moments later, a bystander carrying a hurling stick rushes towards the pair and repeatedly strikes the suspected attacker before others join in to pull him away from the victim.
The dramatic intervention is followed by the arrival of police officers, who also move in to restrain the suspect. Police later said the actions of members of the public and responding officers had "undoubtedly" saved the victim's life.
The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered what the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described as significant injuries to his eyes, along with serious slash wounds to his neck and back. He remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Police arrested a Sudanese man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife from the scene.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the suspect is believed to have travelled from Sudan to Paris and then to Dublin before arriving in Belfast in February 2023. He subsequently claimed asylum and was granted leave to remain in the UK in September 2023.
The attack has triggered outrage and political debate in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "sickening" and thanked both first responders and members of the public who intervened. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also called for further details about the suspect's immigration status and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police said the incident is not currently believed to be terrorism-related, although the investigation remains at an early stage. Officers remained at the scene on Tuesday, with forensic teams examining the area and collecting evidence as part of the probe.
Heroic locals stepped in to stop an African man armed with a blade during a brutal attack in Belfast, striking and tackling the alleged assailant as he appeared to attack a man lying on the ground, an intervention police say likely saved the victim's life.
The disturbing incident unfolded on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30 pm on Monday. A video footage appears to show a man straddling another man on the ground and repeatedly lunging towards him with what witnesses described as a blade while horrified onlookers screamed for him to stop.
According to footage reported by The Sun, several people can be heard shouting "Get off" as the attack continues. One witness is heard yelling: "He's trying to cut his head off." Moments later, a bystander carrying a hurling stick rushes towards the pair and repeatedly strikes the suspected attacker before others join in to pull him away from the victim.
The dramatic intervention is followed by the arrival of police officers, who also move in to restrain the suspect. Police later said the actions of members of the public and responding officers had "undoubtedly" saved the victim's life.
The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered what the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described as significant injuries to his eyes, along with serious slash wounds to his neck and back. He remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Police arrested a Sudanese man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife from the scene.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the suspect is believed to have travelled from Sudan to Paris and then to Dublin before arriving in Belfast in February 2023. He subsequently claimed asylum and was granted leave to remain in the UK in September 2023.
The attack has triggered outrage and political debate in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "sickening" and thanked both first responders and members of the public who intervened. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also called for further details about the suspect's immigration status and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police said the incident is not currently believed to be terrorism-related, although the investigation remains at an early stage. Officers remained at the scene on Tuesday, with forensic teams examining the area and collecting evidence as part of the probe.
