Police issue statement ahead of protests in West Midlands as Sudanese man arrested following violent stabbing in Belfast

Police have issued a statement ahead of planned protests in the West Midlands tonight in the wake of a violent stabbing incident in Belfast last night (Monday 8 June).

Mass protests have been organised for this evening in major UK cities after a Sudanese man has been arrested following an “attempted beheading” in Belfast.

The man, in his 30s, remains in custody after the incident in north Belfast at about 10:30pm last night (Monday 8 June).

A 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, sustained significant injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his face and back, police said.

Protests in more than 70 cities are now planned across the UK tonight.

In the West Midlands, protests are planned to take place in Wolverhampton at St Peter’s Square, in Birmingham at Victoria Square and in Coventry at Broadgate.

All of the protests in major cities will be starting at 7pm.

Ahead of the protests West Midlands Police said in a statement: “We are aware of potential demonstrations this evening and have appropriate plans in place.

“We have a long history of upholding the right to protest, while balancing it with the rights of others, to keep the public safe and prevent crime and disorder.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no indication the attack was terror related and pleaded for calm ahead of protests expected later.

Commenting on the immigration status of the suspect, Mr Henderson said the PSNI understood he had leave to remain in the UK.

He said it was understood the man had entered the UK across the Irish border, having travelled from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. He was living close to the scene of the incident, Mr Henderson said.

A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene, Mr Henderson said. Police initially said they believed the suspect in custody was from Somalia but later clarified that he is Sudanese.