Sudanese man arrested after Belfast attempted murder

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The victim, a man in his 40s, remains in hospital

10:21, 09 Jun 2026Updated 15:43, 09 Jun 2026

Police and forensic experts at the scene on Kinnaird Avenue

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Police have confirmed that a Sudanese man aged in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack in North Belfast on Monday night.

The incident occurred in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast on Monday night, 8th June, shortly after 10.30pm. 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.

A police cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north BelfastView 3 Images

A police cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast(Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire)

"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.”

Key points from 2pm press conference
  • Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said he 'shares the public's repulsion' at attack
  • No reason to suspect it was terror-related
  • Victim suffered 'significant injuries to his eyes' and a kitchen knife was recovered at the scene
  • Suspect, from Sudan, arrived into Northern Ireland from Dublin and had leave to remain - more details to follow from Home Office
  • Increased police presence expected this evening as appeal for calm made
    • Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media at Police Headquarters in BelfastView 3 Images

    Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media at Police Headquarters in Belfast(Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

    Updated police statement 12.32pm

    We understand there are strong community concerns after last night’s shocking attempted murder in North Belfast. We are aware of inaccurate online posts regarding the victim's condition. We can confirm that the injured man remains in a serious condition in hospital.

    As our investigation has progressed, we can also confirm that the man in custody is Sudanese and not Somalian as initially believed. This is a fast-time investigation and we will continue to provide further updates to the public in due course.

    Original police statement in full

    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.

    Police at the scene on Kinnaird Avenue, Belfast this morning View 3 Images

    Police at the scene on Kinnaird Avenue on Tuesday morning(Image: Justin Kernoghan)

    “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.”

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    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/

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