Two stabbed in bonfire riot after police abandon site over safety fears
A knife is seen being brandished in social media footage from the scene of a bonfire in BelfastTwo 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 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.
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