A 32‑year‑old West Belfast resident, Matt McKiernan, intervened with his son’s hulrey stick on Kinnaird Avenue late Thursday, stopping a knife assault and preventing a fatality. Police have since charged the 30‑year‑old Sudanese asylum seeker with attempted murder.

Hurley Stick Stops Knife Attack on Kinnaird Avenue

According to the police report, McKiernan and his friend Andre, a Brazilian jujitsu practitioner, leapt from their car after hearing a cry for help. McKiernan grabbed the flat side of the hurley stick from his boot and struck the attacker three times, causing the knife to fall.

Andre then applied an ankle hold while a bystander kicked the weapon away, and the trio attempted to roll the assailant onto his stomach... Police arrived with armed tactical support and took control of the scene.

Sudanese Asylum Seeker Charged with Attempted Murder

The attacker,who entered the UK in 2023 and was granted leave to remain, has been remanded in custody after being charged with attempted murder.. Police confirmed the incident was not terror‑related, and the victim remains in stable condition after treatment for severe eye injury and blood loss.

As the court hearing showed, the suspect’s legal status and recent arrival have reignited local debates about asylum processes, though officials stressed the crime was a personal act of violence.

Community Rally and GoFundMe for Victim

Social media footage of the confrontation went viral, prompting an outpouring of support. a GoFundMe page was launched to cover the victim’s medical expenses and aid his recovery, reflecting the neighbourhood’s solidarity.

McKiernan’s partner, Aoife O’Reilly, praised his humility, while their son expressed pride in his father’s quick thinking. The community’s response underscores a collective desire to protect one another amid rising street violence.

Unverified Details About Attacker’s Background

While the report notes the assailant’s Sudanese origin and recent asylum grant, it does not confirm any extremist links or prior criminal history.. Further investigation is needed to determine whether his motives were personal or influenced by broader factors.

As of now, the victim’s identity remains undisclosed, and authorities have not released additional details about the investigation’s progress.