Detectives investigating a serious knife attack in Northern Ireland have charged a Sudanese national with attempted murder after a “shocking and barbaric attack” in Belfast left a man fighting for his life.
Authorities have pleaded for calm after horrific footage of the incident posted to social media appeared to show a man attempting to behead his 40-year-old victim while screaming “Allahu Akbar” and “God is great”.
Shocked bystanders rushed to assist upon seeing the alleged attacker slicing at the man’s neck while he was pinned to the ground.
One approached with a hurling stick, using it to strike the man, who proceeded to flee.
A 30-year-old man, later identified as a Sudanese asylum seeker who had been granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom, was arrested by police.
Police have since confirmed he has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday, local time.
Authorities confirmed the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, as is standard procedure in Northern Ireland.
Earlier, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the man had travelled from Sudan to Paris, and then from Paris to Dublin, before taking a bus and arriving in Belfast in February 2023.
He was granted leave to remain in September that year.
The 40-year-old victim was rushed to hospital by paramedics with serious injuries to his face, neck and back.
Horror and anger quickly spread online as video and images of the attack circulated.
Anti-immigration groups and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage highlighted the alleged attacker’s status, with some vowing to immediately take to the streets in protest.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson called for the man to immediately removed from the UK.
“Having abused the privilege of our nation, the perpetrator, living in the UK under a five-year visa, needs to be convicted and deported on the first flight out on a one-way ticket,” he told the Commons on Tuesday.
Authorities have urged calm, with Northern Ireland Police Service Chief Constable Boutcher asking the community to show “tranquillity”.
“I’m hoping that sanity will prevail,” he told a press conference when asked about the potential for anti-immigration protests.
“Nobody wants to see anything other than tranquillity. Northern Ireland is one of the safest places to live in the UK.
“Let’s remember that and show that. Let’s remember the community spirit here that was demonstrated by neighbours of the poor victim.”
His words were echoed by the chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Liam Kelly, who called for “cool heads to prevail”.
“There is understandable anger and frustration in the community, but that shouldn’t lead to any unrest or disruptive action on our streets,” he said.
“This is a time for calm and cool heads to prevail and not sudden, reactive action that could cause fear, disorder and unrest.
“This was a shocking and barbaric attack and my thoughts are with the victim.”
Authorities are on edge over the case as it follows violent protests tied to the murder of British teen Henry Nowak.
The 18-year-old was arrested and handcuffed by police as he died from stab wounds after his killer falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack.
Several hundred protesters, including far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, later descended on Southampton Police Station, throwing bottles, bricks and other projectiles at officers.