Northern Ireland police detain suspect after violent stabbing, authorities urge calm amid anti-immigration protest calls
Police in Belfast have arrested a Sudanese man suspected of attempted murder in a knife attack, while far-right groups have used the incident to rally anti-immigration demonstrations.
Police in Belfast detained a man in his 30s, identified as a Sudanese national, on suspicion of attempted murder after a graphic stabbing was captured on video. The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his face, neck and back and remains in hospital, officials said.
The incident, described by the British prime minister as "horrific" and "sickening," prompted the Police Service of Northern Ireland to declare a critical incident and launch an investigation into motive. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there is currently no evidence that the attack was terrorism-related and that the inquiry is ongoing.
Footage of the assault, showing a perpetrator slashing the victim on a street before being tackled by bystanders and police, was circulated online by far-right activists who called for mass anti-immigration protests across Northern Ireland. Hundreds of masked demonstrators gathered in Belfast, some setting fire to vehicles and blocking roads, prompting police helicopters to monitor the situation.
Leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main parties issued a joint statement condemning the violence and urging the public to remain calm and allow the justice process to proceed. They also asked people not to share the graphic video, warning it could retraumatise those involved.
In the UK Parliament, Democratic Unionist Party MP Gavin Robinson highlighted the suspect’s immigration status, arguing that "uncontrolled immigration needs to end" and warning of potential impacts on community cohesion. Police confirmed the suspect entered Northern Ireland on a five-year visa after arriving via Dublin, and the Home Office is expected to release further details.
The episode follows a series of recent tensions in the region linked to immigration debates, including riots last year after allegations of sexual offences involving Romanian teenagers and earlier far-right-led protests over a separate stabbing case in England.
