WATCH: Hilary Benn issues statement following 'horrific' knife attack in Belfast

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has issued a statement following the "horrific" knife attack on a man in Belfast.

Addressing the House of Commons, Mr Benn told MPs: "Shortly after 10:30pm last night, a man in his 40s was subjected to an horrific attack.

"He is in hospital in a serious condition, having suffered severe injuries. I know the thoughts of the whole house will be with him and his loved ones at what must be a time of unimaginable distress.

"The response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland was immediate. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody, and the PSNI are continuing to investigate. They have declared it a critical incident, but amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.

"When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, 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. To those individuals, I would like to say this: you showed the very best of humanity, and you have the profound gratitude of this entire house."

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