Man arrested after two women stabbed at house

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two women were stabbed at a house in Co Down.

The incident occurred in a property on Stream Street in Downpatrick on Friday.

Shortly after 8.30am, police received a report that a man armed with two knives was attacking two women.

A PSNI spokesperson said the altercation spilled outside and one of the women, a 35-year-old, was further assaulted in the back garden and sustained a serious knife wound to her neck and other lacerations to her head and face.

Responding police were able to intervene.

The other woman, who is in her 50s, also sustained stab wounds.

Inspector Eamonn Campbell said: “Both women were taken to hospital, one via air ambulance and one by road.

“Whilst serious, their injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time.

“The arrested man, 26, has been taken into police custody and will be questioned on suspicion of a number of offences, including attempted murder.

“The scene at Stream Street is currently being examined and people are asked to avoid the area where possible.

“We are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have any recorded footage which captured the events this morning. Please call 101, quoting reference 273 14/03/25.”

Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason described the incident as “absolutely disgraceful and horrendous”.

She added: “My thoughts are with both women who have suffered serious injuries. Thankfully these do not appear to be life-threatening.

“Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.”

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said there was concern in the local community following the attack.

He said: “I commend the quick response of police and emergency services to this incident and would ask that the PSNI are given space to carry out their inquiries.”