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United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned a stabbing incident in Belfast that occurred on Monday night, describing it as “sickening.”
A man, believed to be Somali, allegedly attempted to behead his victim in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast at about 10:30 pm.
The victim, a man in his 40s, is receiving treatment in hospital for serious injuries to his face, neck and back. The suspect has been arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
In a statement, Starmer said he had “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,” he 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…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 9, 2026
Graphic footage circulating on social media showed the suspect attacking another man on the ground, while bystanders intervened to stop the assault, including one individual using a hurling stick against the attacker.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the incident as a “deeply concerning assault” and confirmed it had been declared a “critical incident.”
He said police had begun investigations to establish a motive, adding that the attack had “sent shockwaves through the community.”
Henderson urged witnesses, or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the area, to assist the investigation.
