TWO men aged 26 and 32 are being questioned by police about a murder attempt involving a sword and machete in north Belfast.
The pair were immediately arrested after being released into police custody from the Royal Victoria Hospital in the city, where they were being treated for injuries.
They are suspected of involvement in an incident at a house in Woodvale early on Sunday morning.
Several men were taken to hospital with cuts and other serious assault injuries as a result of the incident.
It is understood a sword and machete were believed to have been used in the attacks.
Police are investigating whether the incident was related to an earlier row.
The Ambulance Service said they had received a call at 7.30am that one man had been injured, but when crews arrived at the scene there were four men with serious injuries.
The four injured men are believed to be in a stable condition in hospital.
North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness condemned the violence.
“It will be a tremendous shock for people in the area, because by and large Woodvale has been very peaceful, despite past history,” he said.
“I think people will be genuinely shocked by the disruption to public order and the extent of the injury these men have received.
“It represents a very serious crime indeed.”
North Belfast DUP assembly member William Humprey encouraged those who saw the incident to come forward and inform the police.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the incident in Woodvale Drive this morning, in what is a quiet and settled residential area," he said.
“I would urge anyone having information relevant to what occurred to assist the PSNI with their investigation.”
Superintendent Darrin Jones has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
"At this stage police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and would appeal to anyone with any information to contact officers in Musgrave on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," he said.
Police at scene of incident at Woodvale Drive, N Belfast. Two men arrested and several men taken to hospital with serious injuries.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 17, 2016