Police in Belfast say they are investigating a possible Islamist terrorist link to a stabbing which took place in the south of the city earlier this month. If it is confirmed, it would be Northern Ireland’s first Islamist terrorist incident.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident two weeks ago. The 51-year-old man who was the victim of the attack, which happened close to the Ormeau Road area in the city on March 1st, has since been discharged from hospital.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said that police are investigating a number of factors “including the possibility that this was a hate crime, a mental health episode or driven by religious ideology”.
The 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. It is understood that he has now been detained in a mental health facility.
Meanwhile, the victim continues to receive support from specialist officers. No other individuals are being sought in connection with the stabbing.
Police have appealed with anyone who may have information or who may have been in the area at the time to get in touch.