Everything we know so far about the Belfast attack and disorder

Disorder has broken out in Northern Ireland after a man was left with serious injuries in a knife attack.

The man is in a serious condition after he was attacked in Kinnaird Road in north Belfast at around 10.30pm on Monday.

A man arrested at the scene was charged with attempted murder and is due to appear in court tomorrow.

It has led disorder in Belfast where a bus and a number of vehicles have been set on fire.  There are similar scenes in other towns.

What is unfolding in Belfast?

Crowds have gathered in various locations around the capital.

There are protesters in Newtownards Road in the east and close to the Crumlin Road roundabout.

Several fires have broken out and crowds have confronted police.

Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said: ‘Sporadic pockets of disorder have broken out in a number of locations across Northern Ireland this evening, including incidents in which a number of vehicles have been set on fire.

‘We are urging everyone to remain calm, act responsibly, and avoid any activity that could place themselves or others at risk.’

What has sparked the scenes?

Graphic video footage circulated online appears to show a man stabbing the head and neck of a victim on the ground.

The clip shows people, including a man with a hurling stick, trying to stop the attack continuing.

Who is the victim?

A man in his 40s who suffered significant injuries to his eyes and slash wounds to his face and back. 

He is currently in a serious condition in hospital.

Who is the accused?

A man aged 30 who is a Sudanese national. Police initially said he was believed to be from Somalia.

He lived close to where the attack took place.

He was charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The man was granted leave to remain in the UK on September 28, 2023.

He applied for asylum status after arriving in Northern Ireland in February of the same year. He travelled to Belfast from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

What are the police investigating?

Police ruled out the attack being terror-related but stressed the investigation is in its early stages.

Has there been a response?

It has been met with widespread condemnation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘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.