The leaders of Northern Ireland’s main political parties have issued a joint statement condemning last night’s stabbing in Belfast, saying there is “no place in our society for this kind of brutality”.
A man in his 40s sustained significant injuries to his face, neck and back in the attack, police said.
A man in his 30s, who police have confirmed to be Sudanese, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
In the statement, Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Alliance leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Jon Burrows and SDLP leader Claire Hanna said they are “united in our condemnation of the horrific incident in North Belfast last night”.
“There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery,” they said.
“Our thoughts are also with those eyewitnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened.
“We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community. We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved.”
The political leaders urged anyone with information that could help the police investigation to assist detectives.
“We support the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their ongoing investigation and urge anyone with information, or relevant footage, to assist them. It is essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process,” they added.
“We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities. We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “People have a right to feel safe in their community, and there can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence.”
She called for calm “in what is clearly a tense and worrying situation”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “sickening” and said he will 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.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane also condemned the incident, saying “there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities”.
He called on anyone with “information to come forward to the PSNI immediately so a full investigation can be carried out”.
SDLP councillor for north Belfast Carl Whyte has urged people not to share footage of the incident.
He said the victim “has endured a terrifying ordeal” and praised the actions of people who intervened to stop the attack.
“People who view this footage will feel fear, anger and shock. If you are sent this footage, I urge you not to view it nor share it further for the sake of the victim and his family.”
Mr Whyte appealed for calm, adding: “I would also ask people not to engage with far-right elements who will use this incident in an attempt to sow division. It’s important that people remain calm and allow justice to take its course.”
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.”