BELFAST — A man in his 40s was seriously injured in a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night, prompting police to appeal for calm as anti-immigration protests erupted in parts of the city, Northern Ireland authorities said.
Police charged a 30-year-old man believed to be from Sudan with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade and threats to kill following the incident on Kinnaird Avenue around 10:30 p.m. local time. The suspect was taken into custody and is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
The victim sustained serious injuries to his face, neck, back and eyes and remained in hospital in serious condition, police said. A kitchen knife was recovered at the scene. Graphic video footage of the attack, which showed bystanders intervening, spread rapidly online.
Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Sam Donaldson appealed for calm and urged community leaders to discourage violence. “We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder,” he said.
On Tuesday night, protesters set fire to vehicles and homes in several areas, with reports of masked youths clashing with police. Political leaders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, jointly condemned the attack as “horrific” and called for restraint, warning that disturbances would damage communities.
The incident comes a year after widespread rioting in Northern Ireland linked to other tensions. Far-right figures online amplified calls for anti-immigration demonstrations following the viral video.
Northern Ireland has seen increased scrutiny over immigration and asylum issues in recent years. Police have not released the names of the victim or suspect at this stage.
As of Wednesday, investigations were continuing and additional protests were reported in some locations, though the scale remained limited compared to previous unrest. Authorities said they were monitoring the situation closely. No further details on the motive or the full extent of property damage were immediately available.
The case is being handled by local prosecutors, and the victim’s condition continues to be monitored by medical staff.
