Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MP Jim Allister is next to speak and says he was "shocked by the sheer savagery" of the attack, but says the only bright spot was the "brave intervention" of local citizens.

Allister also asks about the immigration status of the suspect, saying the House is entitled to know how he was granted a visa, saying truth and transparency would be "the greatest antidote to rising tensions".

Hilary Benn says that, in the past, people have used peaceful protests to promote violence and disorder.

“Everyone has the right to express their view but in the end if we want to support the PSNI, the last thing people should be doing is stretching their resources across Northern Ireland to deal with protests that aren't going to help anyone," he adds.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon says "tensions are inflamed" and he is aware of "planned protests" in his constituency of Strangford.

"I am also aware that many of those who intend to attend do so, not because they are frightened for their family alone, but instead feel their fears are ignored when they make a good and grand statement," he adds.

He asks how the Northern Ireland secretary can ensure those protesters know that their right to protest peacefully is respected and urges the government to "make changes for safety reasons as a matter of urgency".

Benn replies to Chris Bloore that he knows the PSNI are treating the case with the "utmost seriousness" and says the police investigation and any criminal justice process must take place.

He says he is in favour of as much information being shared as possible, and a press conference will be held this afternoon.

Labour MP Chris Bloore says: “What we witnessed last night is the worst of humanity but also the best of humanity."

He asked the secretary of state if he could assure that the PSNI will be given every resource needed to "conduct a swift investigation and ensure that all facts are shared with the public".

Image source, Parliament TV

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, in response to Gavin Robinson, says the footage of the attack is "truly horrifying".

He says the criminal justice system should be allowed to take its course, adding that net migration is now down 82% "from the peak reached under the previous government".

He also appeals for calm and says it is "innocent people" who suffer from any disorder.

Robinson says that the actions last night "in no way reflect the values of our nation" and says while the victim belongs in Belfast, the attacker does not.

He says the alleged perpetrator "abused the privilege" of living in Northern Ireland and needs to be "convicted and deported on the first flight out, on a one-way ticket".

Gavin Robinson adds that last night's attack will have a "profound impact".

“This needs to be a time for honesty and openness and truth."

He says the government needs to "recognise that uncontrolled immigration needs to end" and says people "for too long have had their concerns ignored".

Robinson adds that he shared the secretary's concern over the potential for violence, saying: "Community cohesion lies on the precipice."

Image source, Parliament TV

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson says the attempted murder in Belfast was "chilling".

He says what has been seen by "thousands across the country cannot be unseen", referring to video footage widely circulating on social media.

"It was medieval," he adds and describes it as "systematic mutilation" and "slaughter".

He praises the "brave man" who intervened and helped "with a hurl in his hand".

Benn repeats the police's appeal not to share footage of the attack out of respect for the victim and his family.

He also echoes the words of the prime minister, saying "there is no place for such violence on our streets".

Benn says everyone has a responsibility to urge calm and let the police do their job.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says that even in the horror of what happened, there was extraordinary action.

He praised those who "stepped forward at immense risk to their own safety" and "intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived".

"To those individuals i would like to say this. You showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire house."

Image source, Parliament TV

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says his thoughts are with the victim's family at a time of "unimaginable distress".

"A man in his 40s was subjected to an horrific, sustained knife attack," Benn says, saying the man suffered "very severe injuries".

The police response was immediate and a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the incident has been declared "critical", Benn says.

He praises the "extraordinary" actions of the public who did not walk on by.

Gavin Robinson asks the secretary of state for Northern Ireland to make a statement on a "serious violent attack" in north Belfast.

He says the incident involved a foreign national, and asks what the implications are for public safety, immigration enforcement and community cohesion.

We have an update from the police on the nationality of the alleged attacker.

The PSNI has released a statement confirming that the man in custody on suspicion of attempted murder is Sudanese, and not Somali "as initially believed".

The Belfast attack is to be discussed by MPs shortly in the House of Commons, after DUP leader Gavin Robinson tabled an urgent question.

We'll have updates here and you can watch live at the top of the page.

Image source, Aodhán Roberts

Here's what we've learned so far this morning:

• A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast, police have said
• The man, who police believe to be Somali, remains in custody after the incident in north Belfast at about 22:30 BST on Monday
• Video circulating online shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker until the police arrived
• A man injured in the attack, aged in his 40s, is in hospital where his condition is described as serious with significant injuries to his face, neck and back
• Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said "a critical incident" has been declared and police have begun an investigation to establish a motive
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the incident was "sickening" while Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill described it as "appalling"

Image source, Liam McBurney/PA

The Belfast knife attack is set to be discussed by MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The leader of the DUP, Gavin Robinson, has been granted an urgent question on the incident.

Writing on social media, Robinson said he will be asking Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn if he will make a a statement on "reports of a serious violent attack in north Belfast involving a foreign national, and the implications for public safety, immigration enforcement and community cohesion".

Urgent questions are scheduled to begin at about 12:30. Please stay with us.

Image source, Aodhán Roberts

The North West Migrants Forum said it was "absolutely horrified" by the incident in north Belfast and added that its "prayers are with the victim and their family at this terrible time".

"We are also thinking of all those who witnessed this horrendous incident and who no doubt are deeply traumatised by it," they said.

"We include within that members of the emergency services whose swift actions no doubt prevented an even greater tragedy.

"To those who rushed to the victim's aid and helped apprehend the attacker, you showed tremendous courage in the face of absolute barbarism."

It added that it understood that "many people will feel frightened, angry and in want of answers".

"Our members are also frightened. Good, decent, honest men and women fretting this morning about what last night's attack will mean for them.

"The overwhelming majority of people who come through our door desire only to live in peace and to build a life for themselves and their families."

It asked that the the PSNI "be allowed to do their job and establish all the facts",

Image source, PA Media

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said the incident was "deeply shocking and all our thoughts are with the victim, who is seriously injured in hospital, and with his loved ones".

"I would like to thank the individuals who showed extraordinary bravery in coming to his aid," he added."This is a live PSNI investigation and I have spoken to the Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher.

"We all have a responsibility to urge calm while the police do their job, so that the perpetrator of this horrific attack faces the full force of the law."

Image source, Social Media

A man in his 30s was arrested after the attack on suspicion of attempted murder.

This image was taken from a video that is circulating on social media following the incident.