Man was ‘attacked with a sword’ and taken to hospital after being ‘hit multiple times on the head’

A man was hospitalized with facial injuries and a “serious” arm injury following a sword attack.

Emergency services were called to reports that a man was being attacked by another man, believed to be with a sword. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning at a house in the Ballaghbeg Park area of ​​Newcastle, Co Down.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an article with a blade or sharp object in a public place.

Detective Inspector Johnston said: “Officers were investigating a report that a man had been attacked by another man, believed to have a sword, at a house in the Ballaghbeg Park area of ​​the city shortly before 3.45am.”

“The victim suffered facial injuries and a serious arm injury during the incident. It was also reported that he was repeatedly struck on the head with an object. He was subsequently taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for medical treatment.

“A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an article with a blade or sharp object in a public place.

“He is currently still in police custody assisting with the investigation. Our enquiries are ongoing and we would ask anyone who may have any information that might be helpful or who may have witnessed the incident to please contact us. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 315 of 21/07/24.”

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. SDLP South Down MP Colin McGrath has urged anyone with information about the attack to contact the PSNI, BelfastLive reports.

Mr McGrath said: “The fact that someone had access to a sword and then used it to carry out an attack is worrying and unacceptable. I hope the injured person makes a speedy recovery.”

“I would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact police. Such information is vital to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. Newcastle is a peaceful and tourist-oriented area and this behaviour is unacceptable and does not reflect the community here.”