A horrific attack in Northern Ireland by a Sudanese asylum seeker has led to rioting by anti-immigration protesters.
Video of the shocking attack showed the Sudanese man straddling a man on the ground and hacking at his neck with what appeared to be a kitchen knife.
‘The attack in north Belfast was heinous and wrong. But there are dangerous attempts to exploit that, to target and attack innocent people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here.’
Bystanders attacked the 30-year-old asylum seeker before police arrived to arrest him and transport the victim to a hospital.
The attacker reportedly obtained asylum in the United Kingdom in 2023 and traveled to Paris before going to Belfast in Northern Ireland. His identity has not been released, but he has been charged with attempted murder.
“The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on social media. “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.”
Outraged voices on social media called for a “protest against mass immigration” for Tuesday evening.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was so far no evidence that terrorism motivated the attack, but added that the investigation is still in its early stages.
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“We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive,” Henderson said, adding that the “brutal attack will have sent shock waves through the community, causing real concern.”
Videos from Belfast showed several cars being lit on fire and dozens of rioters clad all in black.
Law enforcement officials also asked that residents stop sharing the very graphic video captured of the alleged attack, in order to avoid more public outrage.
Pastor Jack McKee reported that people in his congregation were being attacked just because they’re black.
“They’re good Christian people, and they’re getting put out just because they’re black,” McKee said to the BBC.
He said some church members were “getting put out of their home, had their house attacked, windows smashed, houses beside them burned.”
One report on social media said rioters were lighting fires in cars with gasoline bombs.
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Other reports said a Turkish barber shop had been vandalized in a nearby city.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the violence as nothing but “disgusting cowardice” in a post on social media.
“The attack in north Belfast was heinous and wrong,” she wote. “But there are dangerous attempts to exploit that, to target and attack innocent people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here.”
She added, “There can be no excuse and no justification for these attacks tonight. No one wants to see this on our streets and I again appeal for calm.”
The 40-year-old victim of the stabbing attack was treated for injuries to his eyes, back, and face.
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