Belfast 'stabbing hero' named as fundraiser launched to 'buy him a pint'

Belfast 'stabbing hero' named as fundraiser launched to 'buy him a pint' The hero who stepped in to hit a suspected knifeman alleged attempting to behead a man on a Belfast street has been revealed and in a fundraiser set up for his 'bravery and courage' A fundraiser has been launched for the hero who tried to stop a suspected knifeman who allegedly attempted to behead a man in the street, in Belfast. Maitiu Mág Tighearnán was named as the man who bravely stepped in and came to the rescue during the horrific attack on Monday night. The hero grabbed a hurling stick and hit the suspect several times as he pinned down a man in the middle of the street. Maitiu revealed his identity as the heroic man and his friends have launched a GoFundMe page to buy the man a pint after his incredible act. A man, in his 40s, was rushed to hospital with for serious eye, face and back wounds after the stabbing on Kinnaird Avenue, in north Belfast, at around 10:30pm. An incredible video, posted on social media after the attack, saw Maitiu jump in to hit the suspect off and other brave bystanders appeared to help the injured man. In the footage, one man can be heard telling police officers who arrive "he's trying to cut his head off". The fundraiser for Maitiu was set launched by Niall Donnan and has already reached over £2,000, according to BelfastLive. The GoFundMe page said: "Maitie Mag Toghearnan has revealed himself as the man who confronted the attacker in Belfast last night. Faced with unimaginable violence, he chose courage over fear and grabbed a hurley stick to defend his fellow Irish man. "I have set up this GoFundMe so the people of our land can show our support to Matt for his incredible bravery and courage. 100% of donations will be sent to Matt directly. let’s buy him a pint!" The suspect, aged in his 30s, remained in police custody on Tuesday evening being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder. He is believed to be Sudanese. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a "critical incident" in response to the attack but Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said there was no indication the attack was terror-related. Stormont First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the person responsible for the stabbing attack "must face the full force of the law". She said: "Violence like this has no place in our community, and my thoughts are very much with the injured man, his loved ones, and everyone that’s been affected by this horrific attack." Political leaders and police have also issued an appeal for calm amid protests planed in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, which could turn violent. Chief constable Jon Boutcher said: "Please, please let the PSNI let the police do their job unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns." Ms O’Neill also said: "I urge people to allow the PSNI the space and the time that they require to carry out a full and thorough investigation." Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told the Commons: "Everyone has the right to express their view but in the end if we want to support the PSNI, the last thing people should be doing is stretching their resources across Northern Ireland to deal with protests that aren't going to help anyone."