Politicians try to calm tensions inflamed by social media after stabbing in Belfast

Members of the public confronting the suspected attacker in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photograph: Social media

Politicians from across the spectrum have called for calm after a knife attack in Belfast prompted widespread shock and condemnation.

There are fears there could be disorder after figures on social media, including Elon Musk, called for people to fill the streets in protest against immigration. The alleged perpetrator of the attack, which was filmed and shared widely online, was revealed today as an asylum seeker from Sudan.