Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after ‘brutal and shocking attack’ in Belfast

A man has been arrested.

A man in his 30s, who police believe to be Somali, remains in custody following the incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday, per The BBC.

Videos circulating online shows several people, including one person wielding a hurling stick, confronting the attacker until the police arrived.

The man, aged in his 40s, who was attacked is in hospital now where his condition is described as serious.

Independent councillor Paul McCusker described the attack as "horrific and terrifying" and said some residents also witnessed the incident.

"One lady said she had to go to the hospital herself because of the stress of witnessing such a brutal attack," he said.

McCusker went on to praise the "brave residents" who he claimed intervened to stop the attack.

"I've never seen an attack like this happen on the streets of north Belfast," he added.

McCusker went on to say that it is important that local people support the police in their investigations, despite the fear and anger they must feel.

"We need to support family and support residents who witnessed this last night."

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 22:39 BST, after which they dispatched one emergency ambulance and an advanced paramedic to the scene.

The victim was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital following an initial assessment and treatment at the scene.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane called the attack "appalling".

"This is deeply shocking, there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities."

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor Jordan Doran said he was "left shocked and deeply concerned by footage circulating online" following the stabbing.

"Violence of this nature has no place in north Belfast," he added.

Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Jon Burrows said the incident was a "barbaric attack", adding that it has "caused shock across not only Northern Ireland but the entire United Kingdom," per The BBC.