A man has suffered a serious stabbing incident in Downpatrick and lies seriously ill in hospital.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Ardilea Park area of Downpatrick sometime between 3.30am and 4am on the morning of Sunday, 10 December.
Detective Sergeant Peter Stewart said: “Just after 4am police were called to a property in the Killough Road area of the town where they found a 22-year old man with serious stab wounds to his side and back. He was taken to hospital by the NI Ambulance Service for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life threatening at this time.
“A 21-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody, helping police with our enquiries.
“We believe a knife may have been discarded after the assault and would ask the public in the Killough Road area to be vigilant and report any suspicious items they see to police immediately.
“We are also appealing to anyone who was in area between 3.30am and 4am and witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could help our investigation, to contact detectives at Downpatrick on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 401 of 10/12/17.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
The man arrested appeared in Downpatrick court this morning on charges of attempted murder.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said that anyone with information regarding the stabbing incident in Downpatrick last night should contact the PSNI as soon as possible.
Mr McGrath said said: “We must remove the culture of knife and stabbing incidents.
“In this case a young man was stabbed after an altercation between him and another young man near to the Killough Road in Downpatrick
“This type of violent incident is not acceptable and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.
“I hope that the victim makes a full recovery, but I’m concerned at such an incident. This has been a lucky escape for him and this morning we could have been waking to a different and much more sinister headline.
“PSNI are looking for the knife in the vicinity of the incident and I would ask the public to be vigilant for the object and contact police immediately if it is found.”
