Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson starts the press conference by saying his and the PSNI's thoughts are with the victim and his family.

He says detectives and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.

The police's news conference has begun - you can watch live by hitting the play button at the top of this page and we'll have live updates here.

We're expecting the police news conference to begin at any moment - when it does we'll let you know and you'll be able to watch it live at the top of this page.

Image source, Social media

While we wait to hear from the police news conference, we'll bring you further reaction to last night's knife attack in Belfast.

Earlier this morning, a senior figure from the Belfast Islamic Centre said he condemned the attack in "the strongest way" and that he would "encourage everybody to talk to the police if they have any information whatsoever".

Dr Raied Al-Wazzan told The Nolan Show that video footage of the attack, widely circulating on social media, made him feel "really sick".

"It’s like something you see in the movies."

He said everyone should stay calm until the police conduct their investigation, and to refrain from watching the "horrific" video footage if seen online.

"Whatever the nationality the ethnicity of the perpetrator it has nothing to do with the crime.

"Whatever crime he has done, the law should apply."

Since his comments, the police have said the suspect is believed to be Sudanese, not Somali as per an earlier police press statement.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) news conference has been delayed until 14:00 BST, but we should be live with that in about five minutes.

You can watch live by hitting the play button at the top of the page when it begins.

Just a little while earlier, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn was answering questions in the House of Commons about the attack.

It comes after a man, believed to be Sudanese, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over a "brutal" knife attack in Belfast.

A man is in a serious condition in hospital.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said the attack was "medieval" and echoed Hilary Benn's concerns about "community cohesion".

He said "uncontrolled immigration needs to end" and the alleged perpetrator should be deported.

Several MPs asked Benn about the immigration status of the man in custody and whether he came into the country legally. Benn said a "proper procedure" about release of information must be followed and he would update the House when he can do so.

In response to a question from DUP MP Jim Shannon about "inflamed" tensions, Benn said "the last thing people should be doing" is overstretching the PSNI's resources with protests.

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

"My 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."