Police in Northern Ireland remained at the scene on Tuesday (June 9) where they arrested a man, believed to be from Somalia, over a knife attack which left one person in a serious condition on Monday evening (June 8).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "sickening" after video of the attack, which took place in North Belfast, was shared widely online.

Police said in a statement on Tuesday the arrested man, in his 30s, is believed to be Somali.

A widely shared post on Facebook and WhatsApp called for protests on Monday evening.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

POLICE AT SCENE A DAY AFTER STABBING IN BELFAST / SCREEN RECORDING OF STATEMENT BY NORTHERN IRELAND POLICE / SCREENSHOT OF POST ON X BY PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND, UNITED KINGDOM (JUNE 9, 2026) (BBC – No use UK)

1. POLICE VEHICLES AND CORDON IN PLACE

2. POLICE TAPE, EVIDENCE MARKERS ON ROAD

3. (MUTE) DRONE SHOT OF POLICE TAPE AROUND SCENE

4. VARIOUS OF POLICE CARS PARKED IN FRONT OF POLICE TAPE

5. VARIOUS OF POLICE OFFICER STANDING BEHIND POLICE TAPE

6. EVIDENCE MARKER ON GROUND, POLICE TAPE

7. POLICE CAR

8. (MUTE) DRONE SHOT OF POLICE TAPE AROUND SCENE

INTERNET (JUNE 9, 2026) (POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND WEBSITE – Access all) (MUTE)

9. SCREEN RECORDING OF STATEMENT BY NORTHERN IRELAND POLICE, READING (English):

“Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in north Belfast

09 June 2026

Belfast City

A man in his 30s, believed to be Somalian, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault involving a knife in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday night, 8th June, shortly after 10.30pm.

He remains in police custody. The injured man, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious. The attack has left the man with significant injuries to his face, neck and back.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced 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. 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.

"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. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time.

“As our investigation continues we will provide further updates.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

INTERNET (JUNE 9, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE – Access all) (MUTE)

10. SCREENSHOT OF POST ON X BY UK PRIME MINISTER, KEIR STARMER, SAYING (English):

“The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.”

STORY: Police in Northern Ireland remained at the scene on Tuesday (June 9) where they arrested a man, believed to be from Somalia, over a knife attack which left one person in a serious condition on Monday evening (June 8).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "sickening" after video of the attack, which took place in North Belfast, was shared widely online.

Police said in a statement on Tuesday the arrested man, in his 30s, is believed to be Somali.

A widely shared post on Facebook and WhatsApp called for protests on Monday evening.