Police have given an update after a knife attack in Belfast on Monday
The victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his eyes, and serious slash wounds to his back and face, and a kitchen knife was recovered at the scene, says PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers say the suspect is in his 30s and Sudanese, and they are not seeking anyone else
Henderson says his understanding is that the suspect had leave to remain after arriving in Northern Ireland from Dublin, but that is being confirmed by officials at the Home Office
Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls the attack "sickening" and thanks bystanders who intervened
Asked about the suspect's visa status, the Northern Ireland secretary suggests further information could be provided "once process has been followed"
A video on social media shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker
First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemns the "appalling" attack and praises those who "intervened to remove the attacker"
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly urges "everyone to remain calm to allow the police to carry out their investigation"
Henderson says he recognises everyone who has seen the footage of the attack will be "filled with revulsion, fear and horror".
He recognises communities will feel fear and that police will be increasing their "visible presence" over the coming days.
He says police are actively engaging with community groups across Northern Ireland "who we know will be affected by this".
With that, the news conference comes to a close.
Henderson says he understands people will be feeling a range of emotions from fear through to anger after the attack and will "want to have their voices heard".
However, he called for calm, saying he hopes people who want to protest will allow other people to go about their own business without interference.
Asked about the condition of the victim, Henderson replies that he is "seriously injured and in hospital".
He asks people not to speculate about the victim's health and status as it has the potential to lead to people feeling more angry and upset, adding that updates will be provided for clarity in due course.
Henderson also says the PSNI have had "offers of support" from police forces across the UK.
He adds the government has also offered support "to make sure the PSNI are getting what we need" in the days ahead.
Henderson says those people who intervened were "heroic" and that they "saved the life" of the victim".
"That is the values of this country, that is the incredible community spirit."
Next, Henderson is asked about social media posts calling for protests in Belfast.
He says he is aware of the posts and he understands people will want to have their voice heard.
Henderson says Northern Ireland police are very experienced in managing peaceful protests and they are not advising premises to close and he expects people will be able to go about their lives.
Giving more details on the suspect who is in custody, Henderson adds that the initial belief was the male was Somali but police now believe him to be Sudanese.
He does not want to "deflect" on immigration status as the Home Office will give "further clarity" however it is his "understanding is that the individual came into Northern Ireland from Dublin" and then was "granted leave to remain".
He adds that colleagues from the Home Office will be "confirming that in more detail in due course".
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson of the PSNI
Now, the PSNI's Ryan Henderson is discussing the police's response to the attack, saying officers were on the scene in north Belfast quickly.
He says over the course of the coming hours they will learn more about the motivation for the attack, adding that the PSNI's understanding is the suspect lived close by.
The PSNI assistant chief constable says he's aware of speculation about the suspect's immigration status.
He says that after discussing it with the Home Office, he understands the suspect was given leave to remain in Northern Ireland, but the Home Office will be confirming the exact details in the coming days.
Henderson says the police are aware of calls for protests and they are monitoring the situation.
He says officers have role to accommodate peaceful protests, but he appealed for calm.
He adds no one wants to see disorder as young people often get caught up in it.
Henderson adds that the public will be looking for answers.
He says that teams are "committed" to provide "clear, factual and accurate information" and will continue to provide updates today and tomorrow.
ACC Henderson says he understands there is "considerable" posting on social media and people have "real concerns".
However, he asks the public "to be very mindful of what they share online".
He says the sharing of footage could increase the risk of further trauma for the injured man's "loved ones".
ACC Henderson says the victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wound injuries to his back and face.
The suspect, who is believed to be Sudanese, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene.
Police are not looking for anyone else at present in connection with the attack.
ACC Henderson says the "brutal attack has sent shockwaves through our communities" and he wants to reassure them that their safety is the police's priority.
He says the public can expect to see an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and the coming days, to help support and keep communities safe.
ACC Henderson says he understands there will be questions "regarding the nature of the attack".
He adds that after liaising with counter-terrorism partners there is no information that this was a "terrorist-related incident".
ACC Henderson says it is important to acknowledge at the very outset the "bravery of those members of the public who ran towards danger to intervene and help the injured man".
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson starts the press conference by saying his and the PSNI's thoughts are with the victim and his family.
He says detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.
The police's news conference has begun - you can watch live by hitting the play button at the top of this page and we'll have live updates here.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson of the PSNI
We're expecting the police news conference to begin at any moment - when it does we'll let you know and you'll be able to watch it live at the top of this page.
Image source, Social mediaA video of the incident has been shared on social media
While we wait to hear from the police news conference, we'll bring you further reaction to last night's knife attack in Belfast.
Earlier this morning, a senior figure from the Belfast Islamic Centre said he condemned the attack in "the strongest way" and that he would "encourage everybody to talk to the police if they have any information whatsoever".
Dr Raied Al-Wazzan told The Nolan Show that video footage of the attack, widely circulating on social media, made him feel "really sick".
"It’s like something you see in the movies."
He said everyone should stay calm until the police conduct their investigation, and to refrain from watching the "horrific" video footage if seen online.
"Whatever the nationality the ethnicity of the perpetrator it has nothing to do with the crime.
"Whatever crime he has done, the law should apply."
Since his comments, the police have said the suspect is believed to be Sudanese, not Somali as per an earlier police press statement.
