Man in serious condition after 'brutal and shocking attack' in Belfast

A man in his 40s remains in serious condition in hospital following a "brutal" stabbing in Belfast.

One man has been arrested and remains in custody.

Police attended the incident on Kinnaird Avenue at about 22:30 BST on Monday.

The justice minister praised the "brave people who disarmed the attacker", referring to a group of people who can be seen intervening in a video of the incident circulated online.

"I would ask people not to share the very graphic images and footage of the attack," Naomi Long said.

"They are deeply disturbing and traumatising to view," she added.

The deputy first minister described it as a "shocking and brutal act of violence", adding that her thoughts are with the victim of the "savage and barbaric attack".

"This act of hatred has no place in our society, and certainly no place on the streets of Northern Ireland," said Emma Little-Pengelly.

"People have a right to feel safe in their community, and there can be absolutely no tolerance for such barbaric violence.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) received a 999 call at 22:39 BST, after which they dispatched one emergency ambulance and an advanced paramedic to the scene.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, the victim was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane called the attack "appalling".

Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Gavin Robinson, said anyone who has seen video "will be unable to unsee it" and it was "barbaric".

Robinson said "this issue has a different sense to it and there are concerns about the consequences of this incident", and said it is "essential police speak clearly on the incident".

Ron McDowell, deputy leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) said: "A video of the incident on social media is one of the most horrific pieces of footage I have ever witnessed. "

Paul McCusker, an independent councillor in the area, said some residents witnessed the incident.

"One lady said she had to go to hospital herself because of the stress of witnessing such a brutal attack," he said.

McCusker praised the "brave residents" who he said intervened to stop the attack.

"I've never seen an attack like this happen on the streets of north Belfast," he added.

McCusker said it is important that, despite fear and anger surrounding the incident, local people support police in their investigations.

"We need to support family and support residents who witnessed this last night."

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows also called the incident a "barbaric attack", adding that it has "caused shock across not only Northern Ireland but the entire United Kingdom".