A Sudanese asylum seeker accused of trying to behead a man in a horror street attack in Belfast entered Britain using “a loophole” route.
The 30-year-old suspect has been charged with attempted murder after a man in his 40s, locally named as Stephen Ogilvie, suffered devastating injuries to his face, neck and back during Monday night’s attack on Kinnaird Avenue.
Police say the suspect travelled from Sudan to Paris before flying to Dublin and then taking a bus to Belfast in February 2023, where he claimed asylum.
He was granted refugee status and permission to remain in the UK until 2028.
The case has shone a spotlight on the so-called “Irish route,” described as some as a “loophole” as it allows migrants to travel from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland without routine immigration checks under the Common Travel Area.
Graphic footage of the alleged attack spread rapidly online, appearing to show the victim pinned to the ground while being repeatedly stabbed before brave bystanders intervened.
One man used a wooden hurling stick to strike the attacker as others kicked him in an effort to stop the assault.
The incident sparked violent disorder across Belfast on Tuesday night, with protesters setting homes, vehicles and a bus alight despite repeated appeals for calm from political leaders and police.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the unrest as “disgusting cowardice”, while Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn said there could be “no justification” for the violence.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the case demonstrated why tougher action on illegal migration was needed, arguing migrants arriving unlawfully should not be allowed to claim asylum and should instead be removed immediately.
The suspect has also been charged with possessing a bladed article in public and making threats to kill.
He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.