Arrest after man is stabbed five times in Newcastle

A man has been arrested after a man in his 40s was stabbed five times near a supermarket in Newcastle, Co Down.

The incident took place in the Castlewellan Road area of the town yesterday (Tuesday) around 7.35pm.

A PSNI spokesman said the man was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries which are currently believed to be serious.

However this morning a spokeswoman from the Belfast Trust said the man was “stable” in hospital.

Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard said the community in Newcastle is shocked following the stabbing of a man in the town.

“This was a terrible incident, which has shocked the local community in Newcastle,” he said.

“It is all the more alarming that it happened in such a family friendly location. I hope the injured man makes a full and speedy recovery.

“Crimes of this nature are rare in Newcastle and I would encourage anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

Detective Inspector Brian Foster said: “This occurred at quite a busy time, therefore I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time to contact detectives at Downpatrick Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”