North Belfast alleged attempted beheading: Maitiu Mág Tighearnán named as hero in knife attack

A fundraiser has been launched to shout a North Belfast man a pint after he intervened in a violent stabbing attack.

Maitiu Mág Tighearnán has been identified as one of the members of the public who stepped in during the incident, where a man in his 40s was left in a serious condition.

A Sudanese man in his 30s has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A GoFundMe page, set up by Niall Donnan, aims to recognise Mr Mág Tighearnán’s actions after footage emerged appearing to show him striking the alleged attacker with a hurling stick to stop the assault.

The fundraiser has already raised more than $AU30,000, with the page stating: “Maitie Mag Toghearnan has revealed himself as the man who confronted the attacker in Belfast last night.

“Faced with unimaginable violence, he chose courage over fear and grabbed a hurley stick to defend his fellow Irish man.

“I have set up this GoFundMe so the people of our land can show our support to Matt for his incredible bravery and courage.

“100% of donations will be sent to Matt directly. Let’s buy him a pint!”

The attack has sparked widespread outrage across Northern Ireland and has been condemned by politicians and community leaders.

Video footage from the scene shows several members of the public intervening, including one armed with a hurling stick, as the victim lay on the ground.

North Belfast MP John Finucane said those who stepped in may have saved the man’s life.

“They showed extraordinary courage and bravery to step in, to put themselves in danger to save, I think possibly, a man’s life because of their selfless acts, and I want, on behalf of everybody I’m sure, to thank them for that,” he told the Press Association at the scene on Tuesday morning.

Mr Finucane added his thoughts were with the victim, his family and friends, as well as local residents, police officers and emergency responders who attended the scene.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn also praised those who intervened, saying they “showed the very best of humanity”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “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.”