One man in his 40s is in hospital and another has been arrested and is in custody after an ‘attempted beheading’ in North Belfast.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said it was a case of “medieval, barbaric and systemic mutilation.” Nigel Farage said:
“What happened in Belfast last night is horrific. The authorities must reveal the identity and status of the attacker immediately. The public are entitled to the truth.”
In a circulating video people are heard telling the attacker to “get off” his victim – both are covered in blood. Robert Jenrick said:
“We’ve woken up to truly barbaric footage on a street in Belfast. Of a kind you’d think you’d never see in this country. For years now I’ve urged the police to spell out the basic, sober facts, as they have them, when there are horrors like this.”
So far Belfast Police have said: “A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is in police custody while a second man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.”
UPDATE: Alex Burghart, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said:
“Last night there was an appalling and brutal attack in North Belfast – which was met by extraordinary bravery by some local people. The police have made an arrest and it is vital that they are able to do their job. Residents should be told the facts of the case as soon as possible.”
UPDATE II: Starmer 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 intervened.”
UPDATE III: Shadow Home Sec Chris Philp also called for nationality and immigration status details. Meanwhile, the PSNI said: “As our investigation has progressed, we can also confirm that the man in custody is Sudanese and not Somalian, as initially believed. This is a fast-time investigation and we will continue to provide further updates to the public in due course.”
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”