Starmer calls Belfast attack ‘sickening’ as police provide an update
Police in Northern Ireland have revised key details in a Belfast stabbing investigation, confirming that a man arrested in connection with the attack is now believed to be Sudanese, after initially stating he was thought to be Somalian.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the clarification followed “further progress” in its ongoing inquiry into the incident in north Belfast, which has left a man in his 40s in a serious condition in hospital.
The correction comes amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding violent crime and public confidence in policing, with Downing Street describing the attack as “sickening” and urging calm as the investigation continues.
A PSNI statement issued on Tuesday afternoon said: “We understand there are strong community concerns after last night’s shocking attempted murder in north Belfast. We are aware of inaccurate online posts regarding the victim’s condition. We can confirm that the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital.
“As our investigation has progressed, we can also confirm that the man in custody is Sudanese and not Somalian, as initially believed. This is a fast-time investigation and we will continue to provide further updates to the public in due course.”
The scene at Kinnaird Avenue, off the lower Antrim Road, remained cordoned off on Tuesday, with forensic markers still visible outside the apartment block where the stabbing took place late on Monday night.
Senior politicians have moved quickly to respond to the incident, with Sir Keir Starmer saying he was “deeply concerned” by the attack and expressing support for the victim and emergency responders.
In Westminster, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told MPs that those members of the public who intervened during the assault had “shown the very best of humanity”, adding that the thoughts of the whole House would be with the victim and his family.
Benn also told the Commons: “Amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.
“When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, 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.
“To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.
“This was a horrific and brutal attack, and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are seeking to provide support and reassurance to the local community.
“The Chief Constable, to whom I have spoken twice this morning, and his officers have our full unwavering support as they pursue their inquiries.”
North Belfast MP John Finucane said he was “shocked” by what he described as a “horrific attack”, stressing that his thoughts were with the injured man.
The incident has prompted a major police investigation, with officers appealing for witnesses and continuing to examine CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the scene.
While PSNI has not yet released the identity of the suspect, the case has already become politically charged, with scrutiny falling on policing, community safety and public reassurance in the wake of serious violence.
Officials have stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.
