North Belfast knife attack: PSNI chief appeals for calm across Northern Ireland amid fears of rising tensions after online calls for protests

A man in his 30s from Sudan has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, described by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as “horrific” and “abhorrent”.

The injured man, aged in his 40s, remains in hospital where his condition is described as serious after sustaining significant injuries to his face, neck and back.

News of the brutal attack has led to a wave of social media calls for people to take to the streets in dozens of locations across Northern Ireland and for businesses to close early on Tuesday evening.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson has appealed for “calm heads” across the country.

"I want to make a very clear message, we absolutely understand that people will want to have their voice heard in relation to the shocking attack,” he said.

"That can be done in a very peaceful and dignified way and we here in policing in Northern Ireland are very used to facilitating and supporting people in doing that. We would appeal for calm to make sure that happens in that way so people can go about their normal business.

"I do not want to make shop owners or other businesses that they are under threat or that they should be worried, nervous or concerned. Clearly people will make their own judgements around that and I absolutely understand that but we are here to facilitate protest in a way that is peaceful.

"I would reiterate that nobody in Northern Ireland wants to see a repeat of what we’ve seen in recent years.

"Nobody thinks that improves the situation or helps to have people’s voices heard. It damages communities, damages local businesses, it brings young people into the criminal justice system when they shouldn’t be.

"It’s all of our responsibilities to make sure that doesn’t happen and I appeal to everyone with influence to do everything we can that any protests, if they happen, are peaceful.”

The senior PSNI officer also urged the public not to speculate online about the condition of the victim.

"I am aware there has been speculation on social media in relation to the status of the victim. I will stress again, the victim is seriously injured and in hospital,” he said.

"Our specialist officers are with the family, so please again I would ask people not to speculate around the victim’s health and status. It’s not helpful and I think it has the potential to lead to people feeling even more angry and upset around this incident.

"Please just wait for updates that will give you clarity when we have it.”

ACC Henderson said it is recognised that there will be people in Northern Ireland who are now in fear as a result of Monday night’s attack.

"I recognise everyone who has seen what happened last night will be filled with revulsion, fear, horror and upset. I know, having spoken to people of minority communities, they absolutely share that upset,” he said.

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"Across our communities people will feel fear. That’s why we will be increasing our visible presence across today and the days ahead to help to reassure people that we are there to keep them safe.

"We are actively engaging with community groups across Northern Ireland who we know will be affected by this, to help give them that reassurance message, to listen to them and to respond.

"My message is, please, if you are feeling concerned, are worried, let us know. We are here for you, we are here for all our communities.”

The assistant chief constable said people who were concerned by what had happened should “rest assured” that police are putting “absolutely everything” that they need into the investigation.

“Right now, our officers across Northern Ireland are patrolling in a reassuring way in our communities. We have had offers of support from across the UK in policing and from government to make sure the PSNI are getting what we need to deal with what is in front of us today,” he said.