Two teens and adult stab man in ‘vicious’ alleyway attack in early hours, say PSNI

Police received a report at around 12:15am that the victim was set upon by three males, stabbed several times in the back and beaten around the head in an alleyway in the vicinity of Clandeboye Street and Epworth Street. Police and the ambulance service attended the scene and the victim, aged in his forties, was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

One suspect is described as being approximately 35 years of age, while the other two are thought to be aged around 16 years old. All three suspects wore tops with hoods that were pulled up, and wore scarves covering part of their faces.

Detective Sergeant Dave Verner said: “This was a nasty and vicious attack on the victim who has sustained injuries to his back and his head.

“Enquiries to establish exactly what occurred and why are underway and I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area, shortly after midnight and witnessed the attack, or who saw any suspicious activity, to call our detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 22 of 19/02/21.”

A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Readers can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton said the victim was stabbed and beaten during an attack in an alleyway off Clandeboye Street and Epworth street.

“Those who carried out this vicious attack, two of whom are thought to be teenagers, must be condemned by all right thinking people,” he said. “There can be no place in our society for such actions.

The PSNI need support from all sections of our community to stop this level of thuggery. I would appeal to anyone who has even the smallest piece of information to help by bring those responsible to justice by contacting the non-emergency 101 number.”

Alliance Titanic Councillor Michelle Kelly alsos condemned those responsible.

Cllr Michelle Kelly said: “I am shocked at the incredibly brutal nature of this attack. Knives have no place on our streets and are a danger to everybody including those who carry them.

“My thoughts go out to the victim. I hope he will be able to make a recovery from the serious injuries he has sustained.

“I urge anyone with information on this incident to contact police about it immediately.”

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