Northern Ireland

Arrests after three people stabbed in Lurgan cemetery following funeral

Three people have been injured in a stabbing at St Colman's cemetery in Co Armagh. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker
Three people have been injured in a stabbing at St Colman's cemetery in Co Armagh. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Three people have been injured in a stabbing at St Colman's cemetery in Co Armagh. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker

THREE people, at least two of them women, have been stabbed during a "prolonged altercation" at a burial in Lurgan.

The attack happened at St Colman's graveyard near North Circular Road in the Co Armagh town at around 3.30pm yesterday.

Three men aged 20, 37 and 42 have been arrested. A fourth man, aged 23, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and has been released on police bail.

Funeral Mass for a 58-year-old woman, a settled member of the Travelling community, had been celebrated in St Paul's Church in Lurgan before the altercation and it is understood the disturbances broke out after several people drove up to mourners in the graveyard.

A gravestone is understood to have been damaged during the altercation.

The Air Ambulance was sent to the scene along with a team of paramedics.

A spokeswoman for the Ambulance Service said the three patients were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital. Although all three were treated for stab wounds none of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

PSNI Chief Inspector O’Connor said police had worked closely with the bereaved family "to ensure that the funeral service and interment passed off without incident" and the disturbance in the graveyard "was senseless".

"It was also deeply upsetting for the grieving family," he added.

“We arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possessing an article with a blade in a public place and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Both remain in custody pending further enquiries.



“A 42-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.



“A 23 year old man arrested yesterday on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place has also been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Officers remained at the graveyard last night amid fears of further disturbances.

Police in Craigavon appealed to anyone who saw the altercation to contact them.

"We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who sees any bladed or pointed weapons in the area of North Circular, Lake Street, Antrim Road, North Street or William Street," a spokesman said.

"Do not touch them, but phone us immediately please."

It is thought the disturbances were linked to the fatal shooting of 63-year-old Bernard McGinley outside St Mary's Church in Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, in 2015. 

Mr McGinley was attacked shortly before a wedding. Four people, including a father and son, appeared in court last week in connection with the killing.

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd said he planned to meet police to discuss yesterday's attack.

"Three people are currently being treated for their injuries at Craigavon Area Hospital," he said. "That is absolutely unacceptable but the fact that this was at a funeral is all the more concerning.

"Anyone with any information should report it to the PSNI."

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly described the stabbings as "horrific".

"I cannot believe that something like this would happen in Lurgan and in particular at a funeral," she said.

"My thoughts are with all of those recovering at Craigavon Area Hospital.

"I urge anyone with any information to come forward to the police immediately."

A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing at a cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker
A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing at a cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing at a cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker