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The suspect entered the UK via France and Ireland before claiming asylum
Screengrab from footage recorded at the scene of a knife attack in North Belfast. A man in his 40s is in a critical condition after being stabbed and slashed numerous times.
Details of suspect in North Belfast knife attack emerge
- The suspected North Belfast knifeman is a Sudanese man in his 30s, who was arrested on Kinnaird Avenue shortly after 10.30pm on Monday.
- Police say the man, who is a Sudanese national and not Somalian as initially believed, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.
- It is believed the suspect was on a five-year visa in the UK, having arrived via France and then the Republic of Ireland.
- He is believed to have travelled from Sudan to Paris, and then from Paris to Dublin, on unknown dates, before taking a bus to Belfast on February 10 2023 where he immediately claimed asylum, before he was given leave to remain in the UK in September 2023.
- The Home Office confirmed on Tuesday evening the suspect has leave to remain in the UK until 2028. He claims to have entered the UK via the Common Travel Area, they added.
- Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the suspect was not known to PSNI, and the attack is not believed to be terror-related.
- Police said at a press conference he lived in the North Belfast area, close to the scene.
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