[kellyhound]

A 30-year-old Sudanese national has been charged with attempted murder and related offenses following a violent, witnessed knife assault in North Belfast

Local residents intervened to disarm the attacker, with police confirming the victim sustained critical injuries and that the incident, while not currently classified as terror-related, has triggered calls for community calm.

The 30-year-old Sudanese national has been officially charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and threats to kill. He is scheduled to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher revealed the suspect traveled from Sudan to Paris, then to Dublin, before boarding a bus to Belfast on February 10, 2023, where he immediately claimed asylum. He was officially granted refugee status by the UK government later that same year.

The suspect had zero prior footprint on UK national security databases and was entirely unknown to the PSNI before Monday night's attack.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and DUP leader Gavin Robinson have publicly demanded that the suspect be deported immediately upon conviction.

Maitiu Mág Tighearnán has been identified as the local resident who used a hurling stick to hit and disarm the attacker.

His partner, Aoife O'Reilly, stated he happened upon the scene entirely by chance and intervened purely to protect a young man, though he remains incredibly humble about saving the victim's life.

The victim remains in serious condition with "significant" trauma to his eyes, alongside severe face and back wounds.

[CaptainPicard]

Never ever wait for the cops. Do what needs to be done yourself.