Northern Ireland

Three men arrested following stabbing in Belfast city centre

Three men were injured in a stabbing at the Great Northern Mall in Belfast city centre on Saturday
Three men were injured in a stabbing at the Great Northern Mall in Belfast city centre on Saturday

THREE men in their twenties and thirties were being questioned by police last night after they all suffered stab wounds in a fight in Belfast city centre on Saturday evening.

It is understood the men aged 23, 29 and 38, were involved in a fight in the Great Northern Mall on Great Victoria Street at around 7.15pm.

One man was found at the scene by police. The other two men walked away and were found on nearby Dublin Road.

The men were treated for stab wounds. They were later arrested on suspicion of several crimes including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

PSNI Inspector Janie Hughes appealed to anyone who may have mobile phone or dashcam footage of the fight to contact police.

"At this time we believe that only the three men in custody were involved in this incident however we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened," she said.

"Great Victoria Street and the Dublin Road would have been busy at the time and we are certain that a number of people would have seen the altercation unfold and may not yet have spoken to police.

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said he was deeply concerned by the triple stabbing.

"This is particularly concerning as this is a very busy area at that time of week, with groups of friends and families out for dinner and entertainment, and it doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened," he said.

"Knives have no place on our streets and the community will be in shock that this has happened in their area."

Update: Three men, aged 23, 29 and 38, arrested in relation to an altercation in Belfast City centre on Saturday evening have been released on bail pending further enquiries.