Man in serious condition after 'brutal and shocking attack' in Belfast

A man believed to be Sudanese has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast, police have said.

The man, in his 30s, remains in custody after the incident in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday.

Video circulating online shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker until the police arrived.

A man injured in the attack, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident "sickening", adding that he will have "absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets".

"The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening," the prime minister said.

"My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."

Emergency services were called to Kinnaird Street in north Belfast on Monday night.

The victim sustained significant injuries to his face, neck and back.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said "a critical incident" has been declared and police have begun an investigation to establish a motive.

"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.

Henderson said police were on the scene within minutes and acknowledged the members of the public "who strived to save the man from further attack".

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said one emergency ambulance and an advanced paramedic were sent to the scene and the victim was then taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

A resident told BBC News NI how she was in her home when her partner heard screaming outside.

She said others, including children, had begun to gather in the street and described how some people tried to intervene.

"The police came and I kept my kids in the house; I was just absolutely petrified.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the attack as "harrowing".

"My thoughts are with the injured man and all those who responded at the scene.

"I also want to recognise the bravery of members of the local community who put their own safety at risk in an effort to stop this vicious attack."

O'Neill said she has spoken with the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and urged people to give police "the space it needs to carry out a full investigation so that justice can be done"