A horrifying knife attack in north Belfast has left a community shaken and a witness forever changed after she watched the brutal assault unfold just steps from her front door. On Monday night, mum Karen Mulholland became an eyewitness to the savage incident that police are treating as attempted murder, screaming desperately into the phone to emergency services as the violence erupted outside her home while her children remained inside.

The attack took place around 10:30pm on Canard Avenue in north Belfast. A man in his 40s was repeatedly stabbed, suffering serious injuries to his eyes, face, neck, and back. Video footage that later circulated online showed the attacker straddling the victim on the ground and striking repeatedly at his head and neck area with a kitchen knife. The shocking clip captured the chaos as bystanders rushed in to intervene, with one local hero using a hurling stick to fight off the assailant.

Karen Mulholland, whose home is near the scene, described the nightmare in vivid detail. She watched in absolute horror as the knifeman launched the frenzied attack on the victim. With her children safely indoors but the terrifying sounds carrying through the air, Karen immediately called 999. In a moment of raw panic and fear for the victim’s life, she shouted to the operator: “He’s dead, get here now!” Those chilling words have now become central to the public understanding of just how vicious and sudden the assault was.

Speaking to reporters afterward, the traumatised mother recounted the sequence of events. She had been at home with her family when the commotion started outside. Looking out, she saw the attacker on top of the man, repeatedly stabbing him in a manner that appeared aimed at the neck and head. The speed and ferocity left her frozen in shock before she sprang into action to alert authorities. “I was on the phone to the police… And we’re on the phone to police and I’m squealing, he’s dead, you just need to get here, get here now,” she recalled, her voice still trembling with the memory.

The victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in a serious condition. A 30-year-old man, believed to be a Sudanese asylum seeker, was quickly arrested and later charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade, and threats to kill. Police confirmed a kitchen knife was recovered at the scene. The rapid response by both emergency services and brave members of the public who stepped in to stop the attack likely saved the victim’s life.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Northern Ireland and beyond. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “sickening,” while local politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid rising tensions. Unfortunately, the brutal stabbing triggered protests and unrest in the following hours, with vehicles and properties set alight as anger boiled over. Far-right groups reportedly amplified the situation online, leading to further disturbances that police worked to contain.

Karen Mulholland’s account highlights the terrifying reality for ordinary families caught in the crossfire of random violence. Her children were inside the house, unaware of the full horror unfolding just metres away, but the sounds and aftermath have left the family deeply affected. She expressed relief that her kids were not outside but admitted the trauma of witnessing such savagery will stay with her. Neighbours and the wider community have rallied around affected families, offering support and calling for increased safety measures in residential areas.

Investigators are piecing together the full timeline, reviewing witness statements, CCTV, and the viral video evidence. The attacker’s motive remains under investigation, but the randomness of the assault on a quiet street has heightened fears about knife crime and public safety in Belfast. Local residents have spoken of their shock that such violence could erupt so suddenly in a residential neighbourhood.

This is not an isolated incident. Knife crime continues to plague parts of the UK and Ireland, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement, youth intervention programs, and community policing. Experts note that attacks like this, often involving vulnerable individuals or those with mental health issues, require a multi-agency response to prevent future tragedies.

For Karen Mulholland, the priority now is supporting her children through the trauma while hoping the victim makes a full recovery. Her courageous 999 call and detailed witness testimony are helping authorities build a strong case. The bravery of bystanders, including the man who used a hurling stick to intervene, has also been praised as a shining example of community spirit in the face of evil.

As Belfast processes the horror of Monday night, the story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of everyday life. Families like Karen’s should never have to experience such fear on their doorstep. The victim’s fight for survival, combined with the quick actions of heroes on the ground and emergency responders, offers a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

The investigation continues, and police are appealing for any additional witnesses or footage. In the meantime, the courage of ordinary people like Karen Mulholland and those who stepped in to help stands as a powerful counter to senseless violence. Northern Ireland’s communities are coming together to reject hate and demand safer streets for everyone — especially the children who should never have to hear their parents scream for help in the night.