The Workers’ Party Republican Clubs condemns in the strongest terms the horrific attack that took place in the Kinnaird Avenue area of North Belfast last night.

Our thoughts are with the victim, who remains in a serious condition in hospital, and with his family, friends, and the local community. We hope for his full recovery and for the party responsible to be brought before the courts to face justice without delay.

This was a shocking act of violence. Making matters worse, footage of the incident has now circulated widely on social media. Many people will have witnessed deeply disturbing scenes. The psychological impact of such material should not be underestimated, and it is entirely understandable that many people feel angered, distressed, and alarmed by what they have seen.

It comes as no surprise that people will demand answers when such serious crimes occur in their communities. Neither is it a shock that concerns are being raised about public safety, policing, community cohesion, immigration, and integration. Dismissing such concerns outright or attempting to silence debate only creates further resentment and mistrust.

However, no worthwhile cause is advanced by seeking to exploit this incident to inflame racial tensions or spread hatred. Anyone wishing to do so offers no solutions and has no interest in justice. Their aim is not the protection of working class communities but division.

The responsibility for this attack lies with the individual who carried it out. The responsibility for bringing them to justice lies with the police and courts. The responsibility of political leaders is to address the wider issues that concern local communities through democratic means rather than allowing them to fester.

We urge calm in the days ahead. Working class communities have suffered enough from violence, division, and those who seek to exploit fear for political ends. Justice, accountability, and solidarity must prevail.