The suspect in the Belfast knife attack had leave to remain in Northern Ireland after moving up from Dublin, the PSNI has said.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said they have no information to indicate the incident was terror related.
The victim aged in his 40s suffered “significant injuries to his eyes” and slash wounds to his face and back.
A Sudanese man, aged in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police have raised a "critical incident" and have made a plea for “calm heads” amid reports of planned protests on Tuesday night.
Graphic social media footage of the incident has been circulating online. It shows a number of people confront the man before a man hits the attacker with a hurling stick.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister and Northern Ireland’s political leaders united in condemnation of the attack described as a "depraved barbaric" incident.
PM Keir Starmer said he was sickened by the incident.
"I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets," he said on social media.
"My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened."
Downing Street appealed for calm in response to the incident in Belfast to allow the police to carry out their investigation.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said “it is time for calm and you see the police acting”, adding “it’s important that police have the time and space to investigate appropriately”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn praised the actions of those that ran toward the trouble to help the victim.
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