Man Stabbed In North Belfast Altercation

A man has been stabbed in an altercation that happened a short time after a petrol bomb attack on a car in north Belfast.

The incidents took place in the early hours of Sunday 10 March and led to the arrests of four men.

Police were called to reports of a pipe bomb causing damage to a car on Ballysillan Avenue shortly after 2.30am.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: "A short time later some form of altercation took place outside a house on Silverstream Road. A 29-year-old man sustained a stab wound to his lower abdomen during the incident. His injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

"Three males are then reported to have forced their way into a house on Ballysillan Avenue, before assaulting the male and female occupants with what were described as batons. The 19 year old male and 21 year old female sustained bruising to their bodies as a result.

"Police responded and arrested a 19 year old male on suspicion of attempted murder and a 29 year old male on suspicion of aggravated burglary at the scene. Two other males, aged 32 and 34, were arrested in the area this afternoon.

"This must have been a terrifying experience for local residents in the area and I wish to reassure the local community that Police are doing all they can to identify those responsible for these incidents and bring them before the courts."

DI Brennan appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time and who witnessed the incidents or knows anything that may assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave on 101, quoting reference 232 10/03/19. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)