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Two women stabbed at house in Downpatrick

BBC Uniformed police officers and forensic investigators wearing white protective suits stand outside a house in Stream Street, Downpatrick. The house is a semi-detached or end-of-terrace bungalow. There are trees behind the houses and church with a tall spire in the distance. A liveried blue and yellow police car is parked outside the house and other vehicles are parked in the street. BBC
Police and forensic investigators examined the scene of the attack at a house in Stream Street, Downpatrick

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

Police received a report that a man, armed with two knives, was attacking two women at the house on Stream Street at 08:30 GMT on Friday.

One of the women, a 35-year-old, was further assaulted in the back garden, suffering a serious knife wound to her neck and lacerations to her head and face.

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

Insp Eamonn Campbell said: "Both women were taken to hospital, one via air ambulance and one by road, however whilst serious, their injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time.

"Police were able to intervene and arrest a 26-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and other offences."

They have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

Five forensic investigators dressed white protective suits search a corner of a piece of open ground beside the house on Stream Street, Downpatrick. A uniformed police officer stands guard beside them.
Forensic investigators searched adjoining land behind the house where the attack took place

Police praised for 'quick response'

South Down MLA Colin McGrath, from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), said it was a "disturbing incident that has caused much concern in the local community".

"Two women have been left in hospital with serious injuries, but thankfully they are not believed to be life-threatening and I hope they can make a full and quick recovery," he added.

"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 enquiries."