Now, after the questions in Westminster, we're due to hear from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) shortly in a press conference.

That should happen in the next 10 to 15 minutes or so, we'll have updates here and you can watch live at the top of the page.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell then calls for the government to restrict and prohibit people arriving in this country illegally.

Hilary Benn responds that he's made it "clear to the house the steps we can take" if anyone who enters the country commits a crime.

"They will face due process and any foreign national who commits crimes can expect to be deported," he says.

That brought to an end the Commons discussion on the Belfast attack.

Hilary Benn says he was "surprised" when a Ulster Unionist MP expressed concern that the people who came to the aid of the Belfast victim could be at risk of prosecution.

"They were trying to save him... judging by the footage, when the attacker was trying to inflict great harm upon him," Benn told the House of Commons.

"Mu judgement, having looked at that it, is what they did was proportionate and fair - but that is for others to judge."

Benn adds that it was important that they people who intervened in the attack were "recognised" for their actions, as he had already done.

Robin Swann, Ulster Unionist Party MP for South Antrim, describes the attack as not "just medieval, but pure evil".

He asks for reassurance that members of the public who stepped in to stop the attack will not be prosecuted for their actions.

Julian Lewis MP asked the Northern Ireland secretary about whether the perpetrator came into the country legally.

Benn says it's important in these circumstances to be "absolutely sure about the facts".

"The proper vehicle for doing that is the PSNI being in touch with the Home Office."

Hilary Benn, in response to Jim Allister's questions about the visa status of the suspect in the Belfast knife attack, says: "There is a proper procedure that needs to be followed in relation to the release of information."

"It is a live investigation. I think it is right and proper that the police lead on that, and that is why it is the police who have been in touch with the Home Office and will provide further information.

"And as soon as I am also able to update the house, I will do so.

"I am also in favour of as much information as possible being provided once process has been followed to make sure that it can be confirmed."

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MP Jim Allister is next to speak and says he was "shocked by the sheer savagery" of the attack, but says the only bright spot was the "brave intervention" of local citizens.

Allister also asks about the immigration status of the suspect, saying the House is entitled to know how he was granted a visa, saying truth and transparency would be "the greatest antidote to rising tensions".

Hilary Benn says that, in the past, people have used peaceful protests to promote violence and disorder.

“Everyone has the right to express their view but in the end if we want to support the PSNI, the last thing people should be doing is stretching their resources across Northern Ireland to deal with protests that aren't going to help anyone," he adds.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon says "tensions are inflamed" and he is aware of "planned protests" in his constituency of Strangford.

"I am also aware that many of those who intend to attend do so, not because they are frightened for their family alone, but instead feel their fears are ignored when they make a good and grand statement," he adds.

He asks how the Northern Ireland secretary can ensure those protesters know that their right to protest peacefully is respected and urges the government to "make changes for safety reasons as a matter of urgency".

Benn replies to Chris Bloore that he knows the PSNI are treating the case with the "utmost seriousness" and says the police investigation and any criminal justice process must take place.

He says he is in favour of as much information being shared as possible, and a press conference will be held this afternoon.

Labour MP Chris Bloore says: “What we witnessed last night is the worst of humanity but also the best of humanity."

He asked the secretary of state if he could assure that the PSNI will be given every resource needed to "conduct a swift investigation and ensure that all facts are shared with the public".

Image source, Parliament TV

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, in response to Gavin Robinson, says the footage of the attack is "truly horrifying".

He says the criminal justice system should be allowed to take its course, adding that net migration is now down 82% "from the peak reached under the previous government".

He also appeals for calm and says it is "innocent people" who suffer from any disorder.

Robinson says that the actions last night "in no way reflect the values of our nation" and says while the victim belongs in Belfast, the attacker does not.

He says the alleged perpetrator "abused the privilege" of living in Northern Ireland and needs to be "convicted and deported on the first flight out, on a one-way ticket".

Gavin Robinson adds that last night's attack will have a "profound impact".

“This needs to be a time for honesty and openness and truth."

He says the government needs to "recognise that uncontrolled immigration needs to end" and says people "for too long have had their concerns ignored".

Robinson adds that he shared the secretary's concern over the potential for violence, saying: "Community cohesion lies on the precipice."

Image source, Parliament TV

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson says the attempted murder in Belfast was "chilling".

He says what has been seen by "thousands across the country cannot be unseen", referring to video footage widely circulating on social media.

"It was medieval," he adds and describes it as "systematic mutilation" and "slaughter".

He praises the "brave man" who intervened and helped "with a hurl in his hand".

Benn repeats the police's appeal not to share footage of the attack out of respect for the victim and his family.

He also echoes the words of the prime minister, saying "there is no place for such violence on our streets".

Benn says everyone has a responsibility to urge calm and let the police do their job.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says that even in the horror of what happened, there was extraordinary action.

He praised those who "stepped forward at immense risk to their own safety" and "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."

Image source, Parliament TV

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says his thoughts are with the victim's family at a time of "unimaginable distress".

"A man in his 40s was subjected to an horrific, sustained knife attack," Benn says, saying the man suffered "very severe injuries".

The police response was immediate and a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the incident has been declared "critical", Benn says.

He praises the "extraordinary" actions of the public who did not walk on by.

Gavin Robinson asks the secretary of state for Northern Ireland to make a statement on a "serious violent attack" in north Belfast.

He says the incident involved a foreign national, and asks what the implications are for public safety, immigration enforcement and community cohesion.

We have an update from the police on the nationality of the alleged attacker.

The PSNI has released a statement confirming that the man in custody on suspicion of attempted murder is Sudanese, and not Somali "as initially believed".