A Sudanese migrant has been charged with attempted murder following a suspected knife attack in Belfast that left the local community "shocked and deeply concerned".
The man, who police confirmed had leave to remain in Northern Ireland, was believed to have crossed the border from Dublin.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has since confirmed the injured man in his forties is in hospital, with "significant injuries" to his face, neck and back.
The force has also clarified that, although it was initially thought the man was of Somali origin, he is in fact from Sudan.
Police do not believe the incident is terror-related but stressed the investigation is ongoing.
The man, who is believed to be 30, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
Emergency services were called to Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30pm on Monday following reports of a stabbing.
A large section of the area surrounding a block of flats remained cordoned off on Tuesday as police continued their investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "This brutal attack has sent shockwaves through our communities. I want to reassure our communities that your safety is our priority,” he said. “We are also aware of calls for protest this evening across Northern Ireland.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger."
He added: “My understanding is that the individual was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland but I know that colleagues in the Home Office will be confirming the exact details of the status in the coming days and hours.”
“At this stage, we have no information to suggest that this was a terrorist-related incident.
“However, I must stress, I must stress, we are still at the early stages of our investigation.”
Emergency services were called to Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast at around 10.30pm on Monday following reports of a stabbing
|In a press conference earlier today, the Assistant Chief Constable said: “This is a deeply concerning assault, and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive.
“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.
"Our investigation is continuing at pace. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support."
He added: "Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.
"We are also aware of footage circulating online and we would strongly urge members of the public not to share or repost these images. Doing so risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and may impact the ongoing investigation.
"Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time. As our investigation continues we will provide further updates.”
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Police confirmed a man has been arrested in connection to the incident and is now in custody
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Sir Keir Starmer also took to social media to issue a statement following the attack.
The Prime Minister wrote: "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."
Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has said he was "absolutely horrified" by the attack.
Asked by GB News's Katherine Forster about the incident, she said she saw "grainy images" of it.
She said: "I’m absolutely horrified. It is a horrific incident.
"I haven’t heard anything about who the attacker might have been, but I think a lot of people will start wondering yet again, is this someone who should not have been in our country? Have there been failings around our borders? I would urge the police to bring the facts out as quickly as possible so that we can get some clarity."
The leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland have issued a joint statement condemning the “horrific” stabbing of a man in Belfast.
In the statement, Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Alliance leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Jon Burrows and SDLP leader Claire Hanna said they are “united in our condemnation of the horrific incident in North Belfast last night”.
“There is no place in our society for this kind of brutality. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim and his family, and we hope he makes a full and complete recovery,” they said.
“Our thoughts are also with those eyewitnesses to the incident, as well as those brave members of the public who intervened.
“We recognise the distress and fear this incident will cause within the local community. We urge people not to share the deeply disturbing images or videos, as their graphic nature would only serve to retraumatise those involved.”
The political leaders urged anyone with information that could help the police investigation to assist detectives.
“We support the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their ongoing investigation and urge anyone with information, or relevant footage, to assist them. It is essential that the facts are established through proper investigation and due process,” they added.
“We are committed to ensuring that violence and hatred in any form will not be allowed to divide our communities. We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course.”
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