Police report says a man attacked another man in Downpatrick and stabbed him in face then doused him in petrol
Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses in relation to a report of a stabbing in Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 15th May.
Detective Sergeant Dougherty said: “Shortly after 1.40am, officers attended a report that a man aged in his 40s had been stabbed inside a property in the St John’s Mews area.
“It was reported that a male had thrown a petrol bomb in the direction of the property before entering it, and stabbing the male occupant in the face.
“It was also reported that he threw petrol over him and a female occupant, before attempting to set them alight.
“A second female who was inside the property at the time managed to grab a lighter from the suspect, who fled the scene on foot.
“The man and woman who had been assaulted were taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment for their injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening at this time.
“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene as a precaution.
“A number of residents were evacuated whilst officers made the building safe.”
Detective Sergeant Dougherty added: “An investigation to establish the circumstances of this incident, which we are treating as attempted murder, is ongoing.
“We are appealing to any witnesses, or anyone who might have any information which could assist us with our enquiries, to get in touch.
“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 85 of 15/05/24.”
You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via”
http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/,
or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
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McMurray shocked at attack in Downpatrick
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has said he is shocked after an attack in Downpatrick saw a couple doused in petrol.
The couple were attacked in the early hours of this morning (15 May) in Downpatrick.
The attacker covered the couple in petrol and attempted to set them on fire. The male victim was also stabbed in the face.
Mr McMurray said: “I am shocked to hear about this horrific attack.
“My thoughts are with the victims of the attack and their families.
“I wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“This alarming incident has left the local residents and wider community in shock. The individual responsible must be brought to justice.
“I urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the PSNI immediately by calling 101.”
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Galbraith says community concerned after Downpatrick stabbing
SDLP Downpatrick councillor Conor Galbraith has said an attack in Downpatrick in the early hours of Wednesday has left the community highly concerned.
Councillor Galbraith said the incident, which included a stabbing and petrol being thrown on two people, had shocked people in the area.
He added: “As the details emerged from this incident overnight in Downpatrick people have been left shocked by what has taken place here.
“Two people were taken to hospital as a result and it’s extremely lucky that nobody has been left with life-threatening injuries or worse as a result of this senseless attack.
“The use of a knife and petrol in this incident are incredibly sinister and could have had tragic consequences.
“This will have been an incredibly traumatic experience for those attacked and everyone caught up in this incident, my thoughts are with them and I hope that those hurt make a full and quick recovery.
“I would appeal for anyone with any information about what happened here to come forward to police and help them with their investigation.
“Nobody wants to see incidents like this in our community and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.”
UPDATE: 1.10pm 15 5 24.
Cllr Cadogan Enright said on his facebook page: “I was meeting with residents this evening after an attack earlier today resulted in 3 people from 2 houses being injured in what the PSNI have described to me as attempted murder and they were looking for a known suspect.
“While I was there the alleged perpetrator arrived back in a red car and I called the police. The PSNI are staying there for the night to ease residents fears and are also out looking for the person concerned.”
