A man has been charged with attempted murder after two pharmacists were attacked at the Falls Road premises of James McDonagh Pharmacy shortly after 9.30am yesterday.
Detectives have charged a 26-year-old man with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery and four counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and assault on police. He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow.
During the altercation, the older of the two victims – understood to be locum pharmacist Peter Wright - was stabbed in the chest, while owner Paul McDonagh suffered blade injuries to his arm.
Staff managed to restrain the alleged attacker until police arrived, and the two victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Steven Corr said the community was “stunned” to learn of an attack on a popular business.
“These two men got up for a day’s work and within hours they are in hospital with knife wounds, it’s appalling,” he said.
“Their bravery of the staff in the face of this attack is to be commended, and the fact that it was carried out in broad daylight at a busy time of the morning makes it all the more shocking.
