Police investigating north Belfast knife attack charge man with attempted murder while Translink suspends services after bus torched

The 30-year-old has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 10. Police say as is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

In an earlier statement, the PSNI said a man, aged in his 40s was injured in the incident and remains in hospital where his condition is described as serious after sustaining significant injuries to his face, neck and back.

Police had also appealed for calm following calls for protests in the wake of the attack.

However, in an update on Tuesday evening (June 9) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire.

"We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk. Officers are on the ground, working alongside partner agencies, responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe.

“We are again appealing for calm and ask all voices of influence within local communities to encourage peaceful protest and discourage any involvement in violence or disorder.”

Translink has suspended services after a bus was set alight in the Newtownards Road area of Belfast.

In a statement, the public transport provider said: “We utterly condemn this attack on our Glider service. The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and all bus and train services are suspended for the rest of tonight in the interests of safety.

“We are liaising closely with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance. We intend to resume services as normal tomorrow morning. Passengers are advised to check Translink’s socials for up to date travel information.”

The Department of Infrastructure is advising motorists of closures on parts of the Newtownards Road and Upper Newtownards Road areas due to “ongoing” incidents, while areas around York Street and Broadway Roundabout have reopened following similar reports.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Naomi Long has again called for calm. She said: “Earlier today, I stood beside the First Minister, deputy First Minister and the PSNI Chief Constable and we appealed for calm.

“Sadly, there are those who have chosen to ignore those pleas; they are intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. They are weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes.

“There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage – it is simply disingenuous to claim this is being carried out for the good of Northern Ireland.

“I would appeal once again to communities not to allow themselves to be used and abused in this manner.

“Disorder on the streets, such as we are seeing tonight, is diverting valuable police resources away from those who genuinely need them. These are not the actions of people who genuinely care about their communities.

“While I recognise and understand the concerns following on from the attack in north Belfast, hate cannot be allowed to win.”