Police investigate Northern Ireland’s potential first Islamist terror attack

Police in Belfast are investigating Northern Ireland’s first potential Islamist terror incident.

Officers arrested an 18-year-old who travelled from North Africa after a 51-year-old was stabbed earlier in March.

Religious ideology is one of several potential motives being investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). If it is confirmed, it would be the region’s first Islamist terrorist incident.

Detectives are also looking into whether a mental health episode or hate were motivating factors.

It is understood the suspect entered Northern Ireland after travelling from Heathrow to Dublin in 2022. He arrived in Belfast in September 2023, where he has lived since.

Officers said the stabbing occurred near Ormeau Road in the Holylands area at 7.35pm on March 1.

The suspect, who fled on foot, was arrested soon after.

Read more: The Telegraph (UK)