Police call for calm as protests planned in Belfast after ‘horrific’ stabbing

• A man suffered severe injuries to his eyes, face, and back after being attacked with a kitchen knife in a residential area of north Belfast.
• Police arrested a man in his 30s, identified as being from Sudan, on suspicion of attempted murder following the "brutal" assault, which was reportedly captured on video.
• The incident has sparked widespread public anger, with an MP warning of impending protests and social media posts indicating demonstrations are planned across UK cities.
• Northern Ireland police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher appealed for calm, urging the public to allow the PSNI to conduct their investigation "unfettered and undistracted".
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the "horrific" and "sickening" attack, also calling for calm, while Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn thanked bystanders who intervened to pull the assailant away.

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Belfast stabbing latest: ‘Not a time for protest’, says police chief in plea for calm after street knife attack