Man taken to hospital with serious injuries after Belfast stabbing

Emmet McElhattonBBC News NI
News imageAodhán Roberts Men in white forensics suits inspect crime scene. One is bent over at the hips taking a photo of evidence. Aodhán Roberts
A man was taken into custody following the arrival of police at the scene

A man has been taken to hospital with "serious injuries" following a stabbing in north Belfast.

One man has been arrested and remains in custody.

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

Independent councillor Paul McCusker, who described the attack as "horrific and terrifying", 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."

News imageAodhán Roberts A police car sits blocking a road. Either side are strips of police cordon. Aodhán Roberts
Police have been at the scene gathering evidence

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 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".

"This is deeply shocking, there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities."

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor Jordan Doran said he was "left shocked and deeply concerned by footage circulating online" following the stabbing.

"Violence of this nature has no place in north Belfast," he added.

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