Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a “sickening” stabbing attack in Belfast which has sent shockwaves through the community.
Police have declared a critical incident in response to the attack, which took place on Monday night on Kinnaird Avenue, a residential part of the city.
Horrifying footage circulating online, which is too graphic to publish, appears to show a man with a knife pinning another man down on the ground and repeatedly stabbing him.
Bystanders then intervene, hitting the attacker over the head with a hurling stick, in an act which police say “undoubtedly saved the man’s life”.
A man in his 30s, who police say is Sudanese, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said. Police believe the suspect had leave to remain in Northern Ireland after arriving in the UK from Dublin.
You can read all the latest updates on the investigation here
The victim, a man in his 40s, has been left with “significant injuries” to his eyes, face and back and remains in a serious condition, the force added. He was attacked with a kitchen knife, police said.
Sir Keir said in a statement: “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.”
In an update to the investigation on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no evidence of a terror link at this stage but that detectives were keeping an open mind over the motive behind the “brutal” attack.
He said detectives were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing.
He said he shared the “public revulsion” over the nature of the attack but issued an appeal for calm after calls for protests.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger,” he said, before adding that there should be no repeat of disorder previously seen in the city.
“No one needs to see a repeat of this. This only causes damage to the community, and unfortunately, young people often get caught up in that disorder, so I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to this.
“All of our focus must be on a criminal justice investigation.”
Downing Street also said “it is time for calm”, adding: “It’s important that police have the time and space to investigate appropriately”. Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn said it was “innocent people who suffer” when political leaders failed to reduce tensions.
Meanwhile, speaking in the House of Commons earlier on Tuesday, Mr Benn praised those who had intervened to try and halt the attack before police officers arrived.
Referring to the video, he said: “Members of the public did not walk on by, instead a number of them stepped forward and at immense risk to their own safety they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.
“I would like to say this: you showed the very best of humanity and you have the gratitude of this entire house.”
Mr Henderson also praised those who intervened.
“Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit,” he said.
Political representatives expressed the shock felt in the local community.
North Belfast MP John Finucane said his thoughts are with the victim of the attack.
“I am shocked following a horrific attack in north Belfast last night,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the individual who has been taken to hospital following serious injuries, and I hope they make a full recovery.
“I have spoken with police today and would urge anyone with information about this appalling attack to come forward and assist the investigation.”
Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran said he was “left shocked and deeply concerned” by footage circulating online following the stabbing.
“Many residents have contacted me expressing concerns about community safety and seeking reassurance following this incident,” he said.
“Those concerns are entirely understandable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live.”
He continued: “What is beyond dispute is that violence of this nature has no place in North Belfast.
“I will be engaging with the PSNI and relevant agencies as a matter of urgency to ensure residents receive the information and reassurance they deserve.”
The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue in the lower Antrim Road area remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact police.
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