THE victim of the horrific “attempted beheading” in Belfast has been named locally.
Stephen Ogilvie, believed to be in his 40s, suffered devastating injuries after a for his life.
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 Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast.
The shocking attack was only brought to an end after to intervene.
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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- Man, 30, after Belfast “beheading attack”
- Cops detained a who is understood to have entered Belfast from Dublin
- Harrowing footage appears to
- A man in his 40s is in a serious condition after suffering injuries to his eyes, neck and back
- Young dad r, grabbing a wooden hurley stick, used in the Irish sport of hurling, he swung at the man
- Belfast faces
Grabbing a wooden hurley stick used in the Irish sport of hurling, he charged towards the knifeman.
Dramatic footage showed Matt striking out with the stick as he and two other men desperately tried to stop the attack.
Police later said the actions of courageous members of the public and responding officers had “undoubtedly” saved the victim’s life.
As residents struggled to come to terms with the violence, locals identified the injured man as Stephen.
One neighbour, who gave his name only as Hugh, 70, told The Sun: “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.
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.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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