Teenager in stable condition after Belfast Botanic Gardens stabbing

A man is in stable condition in hospital after being stabbed in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens on Monday afternoon. The 18-year-old was injured in each thigh and the groin area at about 16:00 GMT, police said.

The attacker was described as being in his early 20s and about 5ft 8ins tall. Botanic Gardens remains closed on Tuesday morning as police continue their investigation.

A police helicopter was deployed during the incident to assist officers on the ground. A spokesperson for Queen’s University, which borders the park, said no students or staff were involved. University staff are present and in ongoing contact with the police,” a tweet said.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the attack or may have captured mobile phone footage to contact them. Gary McKeown, a councillor for the Botanic area, tweeted that he was “very concerned” about the incident.

“There’s no place for violent crime like this in our community. This is a very popular area, and a crime like this happening in broad daylight is sickening and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he added.

Source: BBC

In other news – Ambulance workers to strike on 10 February

Thousands of ambulance staff across five services in England – London, Yorkshire, the South West, North East and North West – will walk out on Thursday 10 February, Unison says.

It means strikes over pay will now be happening across the NHS every day next week, apart from Wednesday. Learn more