Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after 'brutal and shocking attack' in Belfast

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said an attack in Belfast is "sickening" and he will have "absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets".

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after what police said was a "brutal" assault involving a knife, which saw people wrestling the attacker off the victim.

One in his 30s man, who police say they believe to be Somalian, remains in custody after the incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday.

Video circulating online shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker until the police arrived.

"The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening," the prime minister said.

"My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."

Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long praised the "brave people who disarmed the attacker".

"I would ask people not to share the very graphic images and footage of the attack," Naomi Long said.

"They are deeply disturbing and traumatising to view," she added.

Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Gavin Robinson, said anyone who has seen video "will be unable to unsee it" and it was "barbaric".

Robinson said "this issue has a different sense to it and there are concerns about the consequences of this incident", and said it is "essential police speak clearly on the incident".

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) received a 999 call at 22:39 BST, after which they dispatched one emergency ambulance and an advanced paramedic to the scene.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, the victim was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane called the attack "appalling".

The deputy first minister described it as a "shocking and brutal act of violence", adding that her thoughts are with the victim of the "savage and barbaric attack".

"This act of hatred has no place in our society, and certainly no place on the streets of Northern Ireland," said Emma Little-Pengelly.

"People have a right to feel safe in their community, and there can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence.

Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Jon Burrows said the incident was "beyond any attack I've seen in the likes of Northern Ireland before".

He expressed concerns around the narratives that could play out in the coming days, and said people may attempt to exploit the incident.

"It is important that the police come forward as early as possible with clear, factual and objective information, and that we do not allow any vacuum to be filled with disinformation."

Ron McDowell, deputy leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) said: "A video of the incident on social media is one of the most horrific pieces of footage I have ever witnessed. "

Assembly member for Belfast North, Nuala McAllister, has appealed for people to allow "police to do their job".

"We have had attacks before and people have died due to stabbing but they have happened behind closed doors, the fact that this is caught on camera, it shocks people more, but we need to allow the police to do their job.

McAllister said her thoughts are with the victim, local community and "the men who stepped in too".

Paul McCusker, an independent councillor in the area, said some residents witnessed the incident.

"One lady said she had to go to hospital herself because of the stress of witnessing such a brutal attack," he said.

McCusker praised the "brave residents" who he said intervened to stop the attack.

"I've never seen an attack like this happen on the streets of north Belfast," he added.

McCusker said it is important that, despite fear and anger surrounding the incident, local people support police in their investigations.

"We need to support family and support residents who witnessed this last night."