Men questioned after Downpatrick stabbing

Men questioned after Downpatrick stabbing

14 December 2011

TWO men have been released on police bail pending further enquiries into the stabbing of a man in Downpatrick at the weekend.

The 25 year-old man was stabbed in the back in Scotch Street in the early hours of

Sunday morning and has since been discharged from hospital following several stitches to the wound.

The incident is reported to have followed disorder in the area, with an 18 year-old man and a 23 year-old man arrested shortly afterwards.

It is understood the victim was set upon by a group of people after leaving the Mirabelle bar to make his way to Turley’s Bar, and that the wound was inflicted by a glass bottle.

Sinn Fein councillor Liam Johnston said the victim was from “a family well-known and well-respected in the area”.

“This is a quiet family, and I totally condemn this attack,” he said. “Especially coming up to Christmas, people want to catch themselves on.

“If they can’t handle themselves properly when they’re out, they shouldn’t be out.”

SDLP councillor Colin McGrath said the weekend attack was part of a pattern of behaviour raising concerns about the safety of the area at night.

“Last Saturday there was an altercation, and the week before that there was another stabbing,” he said.

“It may be appropriate to revise our whole approach to this street and look at a whole range of measures to make the street safer.

“This is on the heels of £1.5m being spent on the new Arts Centre and trying to develop a cultural quarter.

“I totally condemn this attack and ask anyone with any information to contact police immediately.”

Detectives in Downpatrick are also appealing for information about the incident, which was reported shortly before 1.45am on Sunday morning.

Anyone who was in the area  at the time and may have  witnessed the stabbing, or  has any information, is asked to contact CID at Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000.

To provide information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.