Northern Ireland

Two arrested after teenager left critical in New Lodge stabbing

  A still from a video which is circulating on social media and was purportedly filmed last night in New Lodge and shows a man holding a knife
  A still from a video which is circulating on social media and was purportedly filmed last night in New Lodge and shows a man holding a knife

A teenager is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in the back near an anti-internment bonfire in north Belfast.

Police are investigating a number of stabbing incidents in the New Lodge last night, including the attack that left an 18-year-old man critically ill.

Two men, aged 28 and 21, were arrested early this morning at an address off the Oldpark Road on suspicion of offences including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Another male, who is 39 years old, also sustained a stab wounds to his arm and hip. He is also in hospital receiving treatment however his injuries are not thought to be life threatening at present.

Crowds watch as a bonfire is lit in New Lodge, north Belfast. Picture by PA Wire 
Crowds watch as a bonfire is lit in New Lodge, north Belfast. Picture by PA Wire 

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Police hold the line in the New Lodge estate, north Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Police hold the line in the New Lodge estate, north Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill

Chief Inspector Kelly Moore said "We are aware of footage circulating on social media and this will be examined as part of the wider investigation. I would encourage anyone who was in the area and who can assist the investigation to please make contact with us by calling 101."

A youth clambers onto the New Lodge bonfire
A youth clambers onto the New Lodge bonfire

Rioting broke out in the New Lodge yesterday as police moved in to assist contractors in removing the anti-internment bonfire.

A 10-hour protest against the removal of the structure turned violent, forcing police to withdraw from the area with the bonfire intact.

Two youths on top of a bonfire in the New Lodge, north Belfast
Two youths on top of a bonfire in the New Lodge, north Belfast
A police officer lies injured following violence over the New Lodge bonfire which protesters climbed on to prevent its removal. Pictures by Hugh Russell 
A police officer lies injured following violence over the New Lodge bonfire which protesters climbed on to prevent its removal. Pictures by Hugh Russell