A stabbing incident in Belfast leaves a man injured as police begin investigation/Photo – File
A major police investigation is underway after a man was seriously injured in a stabbing in north Belfast, which police have described as a serious incident.The attack happened on Kinnaird Street shortly after 10:30pm on Monday.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), officers responding to reports of a stabbing found a man in his 40s with serious injuries.
He was taken to the hospital to receive treatment, where he remains under medical care.A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody. Detectives have launched a major investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether any additional individuals were involved.The incident sparked concern across Northern Ireland after video footage spread online showing members of the public intervening during the attack.Officers and emergency services were called to Kinnaird Street shortly after 10.30pm after reports of a serious assault, the PSNI said.When police arrived, they found the victim seriously injured. The area was quickly cordoned off as officers began forensic examinations and door-to-door investigations.
A large police presence remained in the area throughout Tuesday as investigators collected evidence and spoke to witnesses.The police did not reveal the reason that led to the accident, and say that investigations are continuing to determine the motive.A video posted on social media appears to show bystanders intervening during the attack. Investigators urged members of the public not to share the footage due to its graphic nature and its potential impact on the ongoing investigation.Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the stabbing as a “deeply disturbing assault” and confirmed the PSNI had declared it a serious incident due to its seriousness and impact on the local community.He said investigators were working to determine exactly what happened, and reassured residents that community safety remained the force’s priority.Henderson also paid tribute to members of the public who intervened during the incident, saying they showed “incredible courage and community spirit” in difficult circumstances.The PSNI has appealed for witnesses, as well as anyone with camera, CCTV or mobile phone footage, to come forward. Officers have asked anyone with information to quote reference number 1654 of 06/08/26.The stabbing incident sparked swift condemnation from political leaders in both Northern Ireland and Westminster.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes as “disgusting” and said such violence could not be tolerated on the streets of the UK.North Belfast MP John Finucane said he was shocked by the attack and expressed his support for the victim and his family. Other local representatives also expressed concern about the impact on residents and praised those who came forward to help.Community leaders said many people were distressed not only by the incident itself but also by the circulating footage online.