Sir Keir Starmer and police have called for calm after a stabbing attack condemned as “sickening” by the prime minister sent shockwaves through Belfast.
Officers have declared a critical incident in response to the attack, which took place on Monday night on Kinnaird Avenue, a residential part of the city.
Horrifying video circulating online, which is too graphic to publish in full, appears to show a man with a knife pinning another man down on the ground and repeatedly stabbing him.
Bystanders intervened, hitting the attacker over the head with a hurling stick, in an act which police say “undoubtedly saved the man’s life”.
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A man in his 30s, who police say is Sudanese asylum seeker, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said. Police believe the suspect had leave to remain in Northern Ireland after arriving in the UK from Dublin.
Read all the latest updates on the investigation in here
The victim, a man in his 40s, has been left with “significant injuries” to his eyes, face and back and remains in a serious condition after he was attacked with a kitchen knife, police said.
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Responding to the attack, Sir Keir said in a statement: “The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening. I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.”
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said it was the police’s understanding that the suspect had been granted leave to remain, having travelled from Sudan to Paris at dates unknown, before flying to Dublin. He then travelled from Dublin to Belfast by bus on 10 February 2023 and claimed asylum on that date.
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“There is no trace of this suspect on any of our national security databases, and he was not known to the Police Service of Northern Ireland,” he said.
He warned people against being influenced “from afar through social media” amid calls for protests in response to the attack from far-right agitators such as Tommy Robinson. He called for the public to allow police to work “unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder”.
“We understand the community concern, but this is a time for calm heads to allow the police to do their job, it is not a time for protest. Bringing disruption on to the streets and into communities will serve no purpose. …As a community we must stand united against hatred and against violence,” he added.
In an update to the investigation on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was no evidence of a terror link at this stage but detectives were keeping an open mind over the motive behind the “brutal” attack. He said detectives were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing.
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He said he shared the “public revulsion” over the nature of the attack but issued an appeal for order after calls for protests.
“I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger,” he said, before adding that there should be no repeat of disorder previously seen in the city.
“No one needs to see a repeat of this. This only causes damage to the community, and unfortunately, young people often get caught up in that disorder, so I appeal for calm and the safety of all of our communities in response to this.
A police cordon at the scene of a stabbing outside apartments in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast (PA)
“All of our focus must be on a criminal justice investigation.”
Downing Street also said “it is time for calm”, adding: “It’s important that police have the time and space to investigate appropriately”. Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn said it was “innocent people who suffer” when political leaders failed to reduce tensions.
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Speaking in the House of Commons earlier on Tuesday, Mr Benn praised the actions of those who had intervened to try and halt the attack before police arrived.
Police attend the scene following a stabbing attack in North Belfast (Getty)
Referring to the video, he said: “Members of the public did not walk on by, instead a number of them stepped forward and at immense risk to their own safety they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.
“I would like to say this: you showed the very best of humanity and you have the gratitude of this entire house.”
Mr Henderson also praised those who intervened.
“Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit,” he said.
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Political representatives expressed the shock felt in the local community.
A police cordon at the scene in north Belfast (PA)
Stormont First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the person responsible for the attack “must face the full force of the law” and urged the public not to jump to assumptions about the suspect’s immigration status.
She added: “My message today is one of calm and don’t allow those people that don’t care about people here to incite hatred, to incite fear.
“Don’t allow those people who are faceless to orchestrate campaigns on the streets.”
North Belfast MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victim. He said: “I am shocked following a horrific attack in north Belfast last night.
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“My thoughts are with the individual who has been taken to hospital following serious injuries, and I hope they make a full recovery.”
A man has been arrested following the attack (Getty)
Local DUP councillor Jordan Doran said he was “left shocked and deeply concerned” by footage circulating online following the stabbing.
“Many residents have contacted me expressing concerns about community safety and seeking reassurance following this incident,” he said.
“Those concerns are entirely understandable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of where they live.”
The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue in the lower Antrim Road area remained cordoned off on Tuesday, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place.
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Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact police.
Scarborough Fringe has launched its 2026 programme for its ten-day festival, which will run from Friday (June 12) to Sunday (June 21).
Free and ticketed performances will feature theatre, music, comedy, spoken word, children’s shows, talks and workshops.
Recommended reading:
Artists and performers will also be offering meditative sound baths, immersive experiences, and theatre and street performances.
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Resident glass expert on the BBC’s The Repair Shop, Matt Nickels, will open up his studio (Image: Scarborough Fringe Festival)
Speaking about this, Festival Manager for The Scarborough Fair, Catherine Goble, said: The Fringe programme is really exciting this year. We’re showcasing local, national and international talent in venues across the town, in a wide array of genres.
“There really is something for everyone.
“What sets Scarborough apart from bigger fringe festivals in the UK is the financial accessibility.
“All our shows are free or low-cost. We aim to mainly sell advance tickets, to ensure nobody is disappointed on the door, and we really encourage early purchases to guarantee a seat.
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“Some of our venues are small capacity and we want as many people to enjoy the shows as possible.”
Carter Sampson is set to take centre stage on June 20 (Image: Scarborough Fringe Festival)
Scarborough Fringe is part of The Scarborough Fair, a year-round culture and sports programme.
The festival’s line up includes a performance by Aidan Jones, an Australian pianist who combines his love of stand-up comedy with his music – a performance hailed by The Guardian as “side-splittingly funny” on June 19.
Meanwhile, chart-topping singer Carter Sampson is set to take centre stage on June 20 at the Woodend Gallery & Studios, with resident glass expert on the BBC’s The Repair Shop, Matt Nickels, opening up his Studio 26 – where he works alongside established Scarborough artist Rachel Welford – on July 11.
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Three local theatre groups will also be performing shows – all written, directed and performed by local creatives.
For younger audiences, the Astro Dog Planetarium is inviting families to join them for an immersive solar system experience at the Scarborough Market Hall Mezzanine on June 20.
In total, 115 events are signed up to appear at the festival.
For more and a full programme of events, please see here.
North East artisan bakery firm Deep North will be taking over the former Hobo Coffee House on the town’s High Street.
The independent brand prides itself on being a by-scratch bakery, meaning everything from the dough and jams to fillings and glazes are homemade.
From crème brûlée and ‘Homer’ doughnuts to brown butter and miso caramel, the chain is hailed for its “to die for” offerings.
The firm teased doughnut lovers on Monday with an Instagram post saying: “Yarm… fancy a doughnut?”
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Deep North is opening in Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Deep North currently operates three sites in the North East; Front Street in Tynemouth, Stepney Bank in Ouseburn, Newcastle, and Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland.
It also operates from the Mother Mercy cocktail bar in Heaton, Newcastle, on weekends.
Deep North has now erected signs on the former coffee shop in Yarm for its new venture, saying artisan doughnuts and speciality coffee will be coming “very soon”.
What Yarm residents can expect from Deep North (Image: DEEP NORTH)
Before setting it up, Phil had worked on the commercial side of professional football, and having trained as an apprentice chef at Café 21 in Newcastle, Tom went on to enjoy a 20-year career in the Navy.
All Saints’ Primary has been on this journey for a few years, encouraging and motivating not just the children, but the whole school community to read for enjoyment.
All Saints’ Primary in Airdrie have recently achieved the prestigious Gold Reading Schools Award from the Scottish Book Trust.
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All Saints’ has been on this journey for a few years, encouraging and motivating not just the children, but the whole school community to read for enjoyment.
The All Saints’ Reader Leaders, a group of children and staff, have worked hard to change the reading culture and attitudes across the school, where reading is viewed as a treat rather than a chore.
From CAR (chill and read) time, reading challenges, book fairs, the creation of 2 in-school libraries, comic club, visits and projects with Airdrie Library and support from local businesses and establishments, All Saints’ have found the fun and joy in reading and actively share and talk about books they enjoy.
All Saints’ are proud to be a Gold Reading School.
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Today, a Sudanese man in his 30s is being held on suspicion of attempted murder after a knife attack in North Belfast.
Footage of the attack has been widely shared on social media. Politicians in Westminster and Stormont have appealed for calm while the police carry out their investigation, while some have called for faster transparency and information about the identity and immigration status of the suspect.
Adam is joined by Chris Page, the BBC’s Ireland correspondent, and Joe Pike, senior political correspondent, to discuss what we know about the events and the political reaction.
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Plus, SpaceX, Elon Musk’s spaceflight corporation is set to debut on the stock market this week giving members of the public the opportunity to buy shares in the company. Simon Jack joins Adam in the studio to explain why investors will be closely watching the debut.
You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.
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New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Anna Harris. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Maitiu Mág Tighearnán has been identified as one of the heroic passers-by who leapt in to try to stop the bloody attack in Belfast on Monday
Connor Lynch and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
20:27, 09 Jun 2026
The community is celebrating the courageous actions of a local man with a campaign to ‘buy him a pint’, which already has more than £7,000 raised, as it emerges he may have saved a life amid a knife attack in Belfast.
Emergency services descended on the Kinnaird Avenue area in north Belfast on Monday (June 8) night to reports of a stabbing.
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Video footage of the assault also showed several people attempting to intervene and stop the attacker from inflicting further injury as the victim lay apparently helpless in the street.
The victim, a man in his 40s, is now in hospital in critical condition. Police have also said a Sudanese man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Now, locals have launched a GoFundMe to offer a man who appeared to try and stop the attack a pint. Maitiu Mág Tighearnán has been identified as the man who appeared to have stepped in to help, reports Belfast Live.
The fundraiser, which has been launched by Niall Donnan, has already passed £7,700 at the time of writing. It states: “I have set up this GoFundMe so the people of our land can show our support to Matt for his incredible bravery and courage.
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“100% of donations will be sent to Matt directly. Let’s buy him a pint!”
The gesture comes as the “extraordinary courage” of those who intervened have been celebrated across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said it was 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”.
North Belfast MP John Finucane said he believed their heroism may have saved the life of the victim. He said: “They showed extraordinary courage and bravery to step in, to put themselves in danger to save, I think possibly, a man’s life because of their selfless acts, and I want, on behalf of everybody I’m sure, to thank them for that,” he told the Press Association at the scene on Tuesday morning.
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Mr Finucane said his thoughts first and foremost are with the victim, and his family and friends, but also with residents who witnessed what happened, police who came upon a horrific scene, and first responders from the Ambulance Service.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn also said members of the public who intervened “showed the very best of humanity”.
The ‘barbaric’ attack has caused widespread outrage and been condemned by politicians and community leaders across NI.
A number of protests have been planned for the evening of Tuesday, June 9, in response to the incident. This has led to a number of businesses closing early and sending their staff home.
Imagine calling yourself part of the Dingle family when you can’t even spot an easy scam.
Emmerdale’s Caleb Milligan (William Ash) is having this exact existential crisis. He got caught out easily by a scammer using a fake version of his daughter Steph’s voice to ask him for £5,000. He paid it without question, and now he’s embarrassed himself and is an embarrassment to the Dingle name.
The scammer also now knows he’s an easy target. That is one bruised ego and he should hang his head in shame. Caleb decides to call the police and vows revenge on whoever has done this to him.
As Caleb tries to figure out how this happened, Ruby (Beth Cordingly) mentions that the scammer seemed to know a private detail about Laurel and Ross, suggesting who ever it is, is close.
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What Caleb doesn’t know and what makes it all the worse, is that he’s being scammed by a teenager – Jai Sharma’s (Chris Bisson) son Archie (Kai Assi). He’s been outsmarted by a kid, Jai’s kid.
Caleb’s pride is dented and he needs to come up with a fix. Having seen Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) with a counterfeit purse, it gives him an idea.
Caleb plans to start selling knock-off goods to get his head back in the game. He has a depot and haulage vehicles, the perfect platform for his crime.
Jai’s son Archie is behind it (Picture: ITV)
He feels that doing this will give him back his edge, but he must keep it secret from Jai. But he can’t do it alone, so pulls in Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) to be his right-hand man. He trusts Billy – he was the one he gave his bank account details to, to transfer the money.
Billy is reluctant, but it’s not long before Caleb is piling on the pressure and Billy agrees to make the drop. Their new counterfeit business is up and running.
Another point he doesn’t know, is that after telling Jai about the whole swindling situation, Jai starts putting two and two together, realising his son is somehow involved.
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“You’re supposed to be welcoming fans from around the world,” Thomas Concannon, who leads the FSA’s England fans’ group, told BBC Sport in April.
“And I think at this stage, fans couldn’t feel less welcome.”
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It is not even as though Trump inherited the tournament from another administration. It was endorsed and backed by his presidency, with the intention to bid lodged a few months after he took office in 2017.
What has changed is the sheer extent of the immigration crackdown.
Trump is happy to take the plaudits for the glitz and the glamour of the World Cup, but it will not distract from that key aim.
It is not just Artan who cannot get into the United States. Supporters of Iraq, which is not on the banned list, have described how they have given up trying to get into the country.
The squad are permitted to fly in and out of the country from Tijuana in Mexico within 24 hours for each match – but this has yet to be tested.
If a team cannot attend their own game, it would be another unprecedented twist.
“Never have we seen so many World Cup coaches, team operations, fans and even senior administrators within Fifa member associations, subject to so much interrogation and exclusion,” Fare’s Powar added.
“The disruption is such that one has to ask who is running the World Cup. Is it Fifa or is it the US government with its racially charged immigration policies?”
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As Fifa cannot get all of its referees into the country, it feels like the US government is in control.
Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister has appealed for “calm” following the “barbaric” Belfast knife attack.
Speaking at a press conference at Stormont, Naomi Long said: “I think all of us were horrified at what we witnessed unfolding last night in North Belfast. And I understand that many people in that community this morning will be traumatised, they will be fearful, and they will be angry at what unfolded on their doorstep, and they have every right to be so.”
The leader of the Alliance Party appealed for people “to remain calm, to allow the police to do their work in terms of their investigation”.
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Ms Long added: “Allow the justice system to hold the individual responsible to account for what was a shockingly barbaric attack on our streets. We do not want police resources and other people to be caught up in what could become a very heated situation.
“We want the police to be able to focus on this investigation and deliver the justice that the victim and his family and the wider community deserves.
“We also know that there are many in our community today who are fearful, who are afraid because they fear that others will associate them with the person who was involved in this attack.
“We need to reassure them too that their safety, along with everyone else’s safety, is our primary concern.”
“You will share your enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for the countryside.”
20:06, 09 Jun 2026
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An incredible job opportunity has come up at two of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots, and it would be ideal for anyone who has ever dreamed of working outside amidst the country’s spectacular scenery. It offers a chance to spend your days in lush surroundings across this summer and beyond.
At the moment, the National Trust for Scotland is looking to hire a ranger at Corrieshalloch and Inverewe Garden in the Scottish Highlands. The job is permanent and full time, with the successful applicant working 40 hours per week, while it comes with a salary of £31,055 pro-rata per annum.
The ranger will be based at both the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve and Inverewe Garden. The former is home to what is considered to be one of the most beautiful gorges in the UK, while the latter benefits from a unique warm microclimate thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream.
The successful applicant will patrol walking trails and ‘pinch points’ such as the scenic Fowlers bridge that has a capacity of just six people, as well as act as an ambassador for the National Trust for Scotland. They will also inform members of the public how to protect and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Specific responsibilities of the ranger position include carrying out regular site monitoring checks and record keeping in order to help the National Trust for Scotland evaluate performance and plan conservation activities, as well as habitat and species surveys and weather gauge observations. The ranger will also get involved with footpath maintenance, fence repairs, and litter clearance.
The role will involve participating in estate patrols to engage with visitors, outdoor activity enthusiasts, and campers, championing a ‘leave no trace’ culture and providing practical advice based on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The ranger will be expected to greet tourists in a friendly and knowledgeable manner, and answer any questions they have.
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Additionally, other tasks include recruiting and supervising volunteer roles and assisting with the leadership of group volunteering activities, as well as building positive relationships with the local community. You will also be expected to look for ways to generate sustainable sources of income for the National Trust for Scotland.
Those applying for the job should have a qualification in a relevant field or experience working as a ranger, as well as experience working in a busy countryside setting. A good knowledge of natural history and conservation is important, as is being a competent hillwalker and having the ability to work alone or with minimal supervision.
Other attributes you should have are experience of working in a team and with volunteers, the ability to be flexible and adaptive to change, and experience using Microsoft Office software. Additionally, a first aid certificate and a license to drive trailers are desirable but not needed.
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The job listing states: “Our ranger plays a crucial role in ensuring that our conservation ambitions go hand in hand with welcoming our local community and visitors from across the globe to this well-loved place. You will share your enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for the countryside with the walkers, campers and sightseers who come to explore Corrieshalloch Gorge and Inverewe Garden during the busy summer season.”
It adds: “You’ll leave those you meet with a desire to respect, protect and enjoy this special natural environment and an understanding of how they can help do this. You will work on your own and with other staff and volunteers, on a variety of practical conservation tasks to help us achieve the high presentation and habitat management standards expected of a National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation, National Scenic area and Geological Conservation Area.
“You will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Corrieshalloch’s and Inverewe’s ranger service through income generated at our car park, memberships and donations inspired by our work, growing our capacity through volunteers and cost-effective use of resources.”
Serena Williams rolled back the years at Queen’s with a winning performance on her comeback to tennis after 1,375 days away from the sport.
Fans with the hottest ticket in town packed out the Andy Murray Arena on Tuesday evening to watch one of the greatest players of all time return to action.
Playing doubles alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, the 44-year-old American didn’t look a touch out of place as the pair won 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 to upset third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.
Williams “evolved away” from tennis in 2022 after winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her 27-year career.
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Excitement about a possible return grew last year when her name appeared on the list of players registered for the drug-testing pool, and again when it was put on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) reinstatements list in February.
But her comeback was only confirmed last week when it was announced she would be joining 19-year-old Mboko for doubles at London’s iconic Queen’s Club.
A whirlwind nine days followed, with Williams saying she “had nothing to prove” and that the main motivation was the prospect of her daughters seeing her play.
Eight-year-old Olympia and Adira, who was born in 2023, watched on from the stands with their father and cheered on as their mother rediscovered some of the shots that has made her a legend of the sport.
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Williams’ first strike of the ball left fans wondering if the all-time great had lost her touch as she planted a volley from close range into the net.
But those doubts had been quashed 92 minutes later as her serve – once considered her greatest weapon – wrapped up her first match win since the 2022 US Open.
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