Sudanese Man, 30, Charged with Attempted Murder After Knife Attack in Belfast

A 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night. The accused also faces charges of possessing a bladed article in public and making threats to kill. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

A man in his 40s remains hospitalised with serious injuries to his eyes, neck, and back after the assault in Kinnaird Avenue, which occurred around 22:30 BST. Footage circulated online depicted individuals confronting the apparent assailant before police arrived.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) initially identified the alleged attacker as Somali but later confirmed his Sudanese nationality. Officers recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife at the scene.

The Home Office stated that the alleged attacker has leave to remain in the UK until 2028, having entered the country and been granted refugee status in 2023. A spokesperson indicated the individual claimed to have entered the UK via the Common Travel Area.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed the suspect reportedly travelled from Sudan to Paris, then flew to Dublin, and subsequently arrived in Belfast by bus on 10 February 2023, the date he claimed asylum. Boutcher added that the suspect was not known to police and had no presence on any PSNI national security databases.