Starmer condemns ‘sickening’ Belfast stabbing as man seriously injured

Starmer condemns ‘sickening’ Belfast stabbing as man seriously injured One man arrested over attack in north Belfast - Bookmark A man has been seriously injured in a stabbing in north Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers were called to Kinnaird Avenue around 10.30pm on Monday and the injured man was taken to hospital. Another man was arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody, police confirmed. The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue in the lower Antrim Road area remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force has declared a “critical incident” following the “deeply concerning assault”. “We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive,” he said. “This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. “I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness. “Our investigation is continuing at pace. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support. “Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. “Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.” He also urged the public not to reshare images or footage of the stabbing in north Belfast which is circulating online. “We are also aware of footage circulating online and we would strongly urge members of the public not to share or repost these images. Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation,” he added. Political representatives have expressed the shock felt in the local community. Sir Keir Starmer has described the attack as “sickening” and said he will have “absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets”. The prime minister added: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.” North Belfast MP John Finucane said his thoughts are with the victim of the attack. “I am shocked following a horrific attack in north Belfast last night,” he said. “My thoughts are with the individual who has been taken to hospital following serious injuries, and I hope they make a full recovery. “I have spoken with police today and would urge anyone with information about this appalling attack to come forward and assist the investigation.” Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran said he was “left shocked and deeply concerned” by footage circulating online following the stabbing. “Many residents have contacted me expressing concerns about community safety and seeking reassurance following this incident,” he said. “Those concerns are entirely understandable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live.” He continued: “What is beyond dispute is that violence of this nature has no place in North Belfast. “I will be engaging with the PSNI and relevant agencies as a matter of urgency to ensure residents receive the information and reassurance they deserve.” Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact police.