Northern Ireland Secretary Urges Calm After Belfast Knife Attack
9 reported1 unconfirmed
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn urged calm in a statement to MPs following a knife attack in north Belfast, describing it as “horrific and brutal.” The attack occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. on June 8, 2026, when a man in his 40s was subjected to a sustained knife attack on a street. The victim is in hospital in a serious condition with very severe injuries. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) declaring it a critical incident. Benn praised members of the public who intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until police arrived. He repeated the PSNI’s appeal not to share or repost footage of the attack out of respect for the victim’s family. During exchanges, Benn declined to confirm the identity or immigration status of the suspect, stating that initial reports about the accused’s nationality may be wrong and that police should lead on releasing facts. DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated the accused was in the UK under a five-year visa and called for him to be convicted and deported.
What’s reported
The attack happened shortly after 10:30 p.m. on June 8, 2026, in north Belfast.
The victim is a man in his 40s, in hospital with severe injuries.
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.
The PSNI declared the incident a critical investigation.
Members of the public intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim.
Benn urged people not to share or repost footage of the attack.
Benn said initial police reports about the accused’s nationality may be wrong.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the accused was in the UK on a five-year visa and called for deportation.
Benn defended the government’s immigration record, stating net migration is down 82% from a peak under the previous government.
Open questions
The exact nationality and immigration status of the accused remain unconfirmed by police.
Key figures
Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland Secretary
Gavin Robinson, DUP leader
Ayoub Khan, Independent MP
Carla Lockhart, DUP MP
Julian Lewis, Conservative MP
Jim Allister, TUV MP
Jim Shannon, DUP MP
Matt Vickers, Conservative shadow minister
Sources: The Guardian
