Northern Ireland: Two stabbed in bonfire riot after police abandon site over safety fears
The bonfire聽marked the anniversary of a 1971 policy that聽saw suspected republicans across Northern Ireland interned without trial.
Friday 9 August 2019 15:24, UK
Two men are in hospital after being stabbed at the scene of a controversial bonfire in Belfast where police had earlier abandoned an operation to remove it.
An 18-year-old man is in a critical condition after being stabbed in the back in the New Lodge area of the city last night, while a 39-year-old man is also being treated for less serious arm and hip injuries.
Officers arrested two men, aged 28 and 21, at an address in nearby Oldpark Road in the early hours of Friday, both on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Police are urging people with information about the violence - much of which was filmed in a video that emerged on social media - to come forward.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Kelly Moore said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media and this will be examined as part of the wider investigation."
Before the stabbings, the national force had decided to an abandon an operation to remove the bonfire as trouble had erupted when armed officers went to the scene earlier on Thursday.
Three officers were injured amid violence on the nationalist estate, which police claim was likely orchestrated by dissident republicans.
There were concerns that bystanders could be hurt in any further disorder, with residents of nearby tower blocks urged to leave as their safety could not be guaranteed.
The bonfire came as large crowds gathered to mark the anniversary of the 1971 Operation Demetrius, which saw hundreds of suspected republicans across Northern Ireland interned without trial.
The vast majority arrested were nationalists, although a significant number of them had no connection with the IRA.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd has said he regrets the failure to remove the wooden pyre before it was lit, with youngsters clambering on top of it in triumph as officers left under a hail of missiles.
The estate was barricaded with metal fencing after police retreated from the bonfire site, which is on land owned by the department for infrastructure.
In addition to the two men arrested in connection with the stabbings, a 13-year-old was arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour.
Six petrol bombs were also recovered.
:: Anyone with information that may help the police investigation should call 101, quoting reference 1818 08/08/19, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.