A man arrested on suspicion of the Belfast 'knife attack' has been charged with attempted murder, police have said.
The 30-year-old accused, who is Sudanese, is also charged with possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill.
He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
In Northern Ireland, the authorities do not release the name of accused persons before they appear in court.
A man aged in his 40s remained in a serious condition in hospital on Tuesday receiving treatment for serious eye, face and back wounds.
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Detectives have said there is no indication the incident was terror-related.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a “critical incident” in response to the incident, which was captured on video and appears to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was lying on the ground.
The clip shows people, including one with a hurling stick, intervening to stop the man attacking the victim in the Kinnaird Avenue residential area close to the busy Antrim Road in north Belfast.
A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene.
Crowds began assembling at various locations around Belfast and beyond on Tuesday for planned protests.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher briefed reporters on the status of the investigation as he appeared alongside Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Justice Minister Naomi Long at a press conference at Stormont on Tuesday afternoon.
Commenting on the prospect of disorder, the police chief warned people against being influenced “from afar through social media”.
“There will be an increased police presence across Northern Ireland this evening and in the coming days to provide help, support, and reassurance for all our communities, and to keep everybody safe,” he said.
“There is considerable posting on social media. I appeal for everyone to be mindful of what they view and share online.
“Sharing footage risks causing further trauma to the injured man’s family and loved ones, and may impact on this investigation.
“We are aware, of course, of protest activity being discussed across Northern Ireland this evening, and we continue to monitor this very carefully.
“And I understand that last night’s attempted murder will leave people feeling enraged with emotions from fear to anger, but please, please let the PSNI, let the police do their job unfettered and undistracted by wider concerns there may be about disorder.”
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