A man is in critical condition following a knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday night.
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.
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Emergency services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland responded to the residential area at around 10:30 p.
m. after receiving reports of a stabbing.
Social media footage shows the victim being repeatedly stabbed in the neck before bystanders intervened.
One person used a hurling stick to strike the assailant several times, helping to free the blood-covered victim before officers arrived.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly strongly condemned the violence on social media.
She stated that "an act of hatred has no place in our society" and expressed concern for the victim.
Little-Pengelly emphasized that residents deserve safety and said she would contact the police chief for an update.
"People have a right to feel safe in their community, and there can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence," she said.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson described the incident as "a shocking and brutal act of violence."
He urged authorities to quickly provide clarity on the investigation and demanded that those responsible face legal accountability.
"The police should outline the facts as a matter of urgency," Robinson said. "Those responsible must face the full consequences of their actions."
Local independent councillor Paul McCusker expressed alarm after viewing recordings of the assault, calling it "brutal."
He called for a comprehensive police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
"People are waking up and have seen this video, and it's horrific and terrifying scenes that we witnessed," McCusker told The Irish News.
"And for me it's about making sure the police do a very robust investigation in terms of how this attack took place."
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SDLP councillor for North Belfast Carl Whyte urged the public not to circulate the graphic video online.
He praised the bystanders who intervened and warned that the footage causes community distress.
"People who view this footage will feel fear, anger and shock.
If you are sent this footage, I urge you not to view it nor share it further for the sake of the victim and his family," Whyte said.
He also cautioned against outside political factions exploiting the stabbing.
"I would also ask people not to engage with far-right elements who will use this incident in an attempt to sow division.
It's important that people remain calm and allow justice to take its course," he added.
Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran said many residents contacted him seeking reassurance about public safety, saying they were "left shocked and deeply concerned."
"Many residents have contacted me expressing concerns about community safety and seeking reassurance following this incident," Doran said.
"Those concerns are entirely understandable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live."
He added that he would engage with the PSNI and relevant agencies as a matter of urgency to ensure residents receive the information and reassurance they deserve.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows shared his sympathies for the victim and expressed relief that a suspect had been arrested.
"An absolutely horrendous attack and my thoughts are with the victim and everyone else affected," he said.
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane joined the condemnation and pressed for public cooperation.
He stated that "there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities" and urged witnesses to provide information to the PSNI immediately.
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The Police Service of Northern Ireland has requested that anyone who witnessed the stabbing or possesses video footage contact them directly.
