Northern Ireland has been left shocked since Monday night following a disturbing incident on a street in Belfast, where a man allegedly attempted to behead another man before passersby eventually managed to stop him.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested the suspect on suspicion of attempted murder and has taken him into custody, while the victim remains in serious condition in hospital.

The attack comes just days after the huge demonstrations throughout the UK for Henry Nowak.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrific” and “appalling.” “I have absolutely no tolerance for such appalling scenes of violence on our streets. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders as well as the members of the public who intervened,” he said.

The attack occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Monday outside an apartment complex in north Belfast.

A video containing graphic images that circulated on social media shows one man standing over another who is lying on the ground and repeatedly striking him in the head and neck.

The same video shows members of the public attempting to stop the attack, with one person even using a stick to drive the attacker away.

Police stated that, according to initial information, the arrested suspect is a Somali man in his early 30s. The victim, whose name has not been released, is approximately 40 years old.

The deputy chief constable of the local police force said authorities had declared a “major incident” and were investigating the motive behind the attack. “This violent assault has shocked the local community and caused understandable concern. I want to reassure residents that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” he said.

According to him, police officers arrived at the scene within minutes. “We also want to acknowledge the actions of the members of the public who tried to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to help a fellow human being is an example of exceptional courage and community solidarity,” he added.

Henderson also urged the public not to share or repost photos and videos of the attack. “Publishing this material may cause additional trauma to the injured man’s loved ones and could affect the ongoing investigation,” he stressed.

Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long echoed the same appeal, describing the images as “deeply shocking and traumatic.”

In a social media post, Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, called on authorities to immediately release the suspect’s identity and immigration status.