A man in his 40s has suffered serious injuries to his eyes, face, and back after what police described as a "brutal" knife attack in north Belfast.
The victim was attacked on Kinnaird Avenue, off the Antrim Road in north Belfast, at about 10:30 pm on Monday. He was taken to the hospital with significant injuries to his eyes and severe slash wounds to his face, neck, and back, and he remains in a serious condition.
Police said the assault was reported shortly after it began and that officers and emergency medics responded within minutes. A large section of the street was sealed off overnight while forensic officers examined the scene, according to The Journal.
A 30-year-old Sudanese man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody. Police later confirmed he has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill.
He is due to appear before a court in Belfast on Wednesday. Officers said a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has declared the incident a critical incident because of the seriousness of the injuries and the impact on the community.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described it as a "deeply concerning" and "brutal" assault and said a dedicated investigation team has been established. He said detectives are reviewing graphic footage shared online and taking statements from multiple witnesses who intervened, the Independent.
Police said the suspect is understood to be Sudanese and to have leave to remain in the UK, having travelled to Northern Ireland from Dublin. The PSNI initially stated that the man was believed to be Somali, but later corrected that information after further checks.
Detectives are liaising with the Home Office and Gardaí as they examine the suspect's movements before the attack.
Officers said there is currently no information to suggest the incident was terror-related, but they are keeping an open mind about the motive. Political leaders from Northern Ireland's main parties issued a joint statement condemning the stabbing and urging the community to remain calm.
Police have increased patrols in north Belfast and appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or phone footage, or who was in the Kinnaird Avenue area around 10:30 pm, to contact detectives.
Later on Tuesday, protesters gathered in central Belfast, where police said bins were set alight and a bus was burned during disorder linked to anger over the stabbing. Traffic in parts of the city centre was disrupted as officers responded to the unrest and political leaders again appealed for calm, as per the BBC.
