Northern Ireland

Stephen McFarlane arrested in east Belfast after manhunt

Police arrested Stephen McFarlane as he drove through east Belfast in a white Audi. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker
Police arrested Stephen McFarlane as he drove through east Belfast in a white Audi. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Police arrested Stephen McFarlane as he drove through east Belfast in a white Audi. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker

A MAN who was the subject of a police manhunt after a woman was critically injured in an attack has been arrested in east Belfast.

Stephen McFarlane (33) was stopped by police on the Newtownards Road shortly before 2pm on Friday.

The PSNI had taken the unusual step of releasing his photograph on Thursday night and warning the public not to approach him.

Detective Inspector Chris Millar said the police had "received a number of calls from members of the public throughout our search and we are grateful for that co-operation".

"Our investigation into this serious assault will now continue,” he added. 

Police wanted to speak to Mr McFarlane after a 26-year-old woman was attacked at a house on Ashgrove Road in the Carnmoney area of Glengormley at about 8.35pm on Wednesday.

It is understood the woman lives in the house with her two young daughters, who were present during the attack.

Police had warned people not to approach McFarlane but to contact officers "immediately".