Man stabbed multiple times in Belfast

Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A man has been stabbed multiple times during an attack in west Belfast.

Two people have been arrested following the incident in the early hours of Wednesday.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Just after 2.45am, we received a report from our colleagues in Northern Ireland Ambulance Service that a man had been stabbed in the St Bernadette’s Avenue area.

“When officers arrived at the scene, a man aged in his 20s was found with multiple wounds to his face, body and arms.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

“A 38-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

“They remain in police custody.”

The spokesperson added: “Our inquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact Police on 101 quoting reference 135 of 10/04/24.”

SDLP councillor for the area Paul Doherty has said there is concern in the local community following the incident.

He said: “My thoughts are with the victim who is currently receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries and I hope they make a quick and full recovery.

“The use of a knife in this attack is extremely sinister and there is no place for anyone to be carrying weapons on our streets.

“We know from bitter experience that knife crime can often have tragic consequences leaving devastated families behind and this is not something we want to see take hold in this community.

“I would urge anyone with any information about what happened here to come forward to police.

“This is a close-knit community and the last thing anyone wants to see is something like this happening on their doorstep.”