A MAN who was injured in the “attempted beheading” in Belfast has been pictured for the first time.
Stephen Ogilvie, believed to be aged 44, suffered devastating injuries after the frenzied knife attack.
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Stephen Ogilvie has been named by locals as the victim of the horror attack Credit: Supplied
Footage showed the heinous attack on the streets of Belfast
Harrowing footage appeared to show the attacker repeatedly slashing at the man’s face and neck as horrified onlookers screamed: “Get off.”
One witness could be heard shouting: “He’s trying to cut his head off.”
Cops said Stephen suffered injuries to his eyes as well as slash wounds to his neck and back during the assault in north Belfast.
The shocking attack was only brought to an end after brave bystanders and police officers rushed to intervene.
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A heroic bystander intervenes with a hurling stick
Police forensics probe the scene after the attack Credit: Alamy
Police have confirmed that a kitchen knife was recovered from the scene Credit: AP
Pictures show police at the scene with forensics tents up Credit: Splash
Among the heroes was young dad Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, known as Matt, who had just returned home after a night out when he stumbled upon the terrifying scene unfolding outside.
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Grabbing a wooden hurley stick used in the Irish sport of hurling, he charged towards the knifeman.
Police later said the actions of courageous members of the public and responding officers had “undoubtedly” saved the victim’s life.
One neighbour, who gave his name only as Hugh, 70, told The Jattvibe: “I’ve heard Stephen was the victim.
“He’s lived here for around a year and a half and has been a bit of a nuisance, but what’s happened to him is absolutely horrendous and I’d never wish that on anybody.”
Stephen lives in a first-floor flat in the area.
His apartment window remains boarded up after a rock was allegedly thrown through it during an incident last year.
Residents said the suspected attacker had only moved into a neighbouring block a matter of days before the assault.
Vehicles set on fire by protesters on Lendrick Street in Belfast Credit: PA
Protestors attack a police vehicle on Sandy Row after the knife horror Credit: Getty
The housing association complex contains 36 flats.
Recalling the horror as it unfolded, Hugh said: “I saw all the commotion from the window. I felt sick when I saw it, it all happened so quickly.”
He added that around seven asylum seekers had moved into the block over the past year.
Detectives investigating the attack have recovered a kitchen knife from the scene.
A 30-year-old man has since been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.
He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It comes after cops arrested a Sudanese asylum seeker who travelled to Belfast in February 2023 before later being granted leave to remain in the UK.
Tonight, protests erupted in Belfast with homes, buses and bins set alight.
Buildings, bins and cars have been set on fire Credit: AFP
Bins set alight by protesters on Ligoniel Road, Belfast Credit: PA
Yobs in balaclavas have been torching cars parked on residential streets and driveways, which appear to have caused three houses to catch fire.
Earlier, a Glider bus on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast was set alight, forcing Translink, which operates the Metro and Glider buses, to suspend its services until further notice.
Many of the protesters are dressed in dark tracksuits with their hoods up and masks on as some were seen throwing red and orange coloured smoke flares.
Elsewhere in the city, other cars and a tractor, have been engulfed by flames as police set up barricades and organise fleets of riot vans.
