SHOCKED…Local councillor Basil Johnston
TWO men remain in hospital and a small village is in shock after an early morning stabbing incident.
At about 3am on Sunday, police received a report that two men had sustained stab wounds during a disturbance at a house in the Farnamullan Road area of Lisbellaw.
They were taken to hospital for treatment and a 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene.
Local councillor Basil Johnston, who lives less than two miles away suspects alcohol may have played a role.
“I would presume from what I have been told that these are young people and maybe alcohol or drugs were involved.
“And you know yourself if alcohol or drugs are involved people are liable to do anything, that’s the problem.”
Mr Johnston explained that the area has never been one associated with crime and it has come as quite a shock to everyone.
“The area has always been fairly quiet, I don’t recall anything like this and I have lived here all my life.
“But things have changed now, villages and towns are expanding and a lot of developments mean people are coming into these areas to live and may not be here very long.
“In small villages like Lisbellaw everyone used to know everyone, but it’s not like that anymore.”
“There was a similar case very close to the Farnamullan Road about four or five months ago and there has been a court case since.
“Someone was threatened with a shotgun one Sunday and alcohol was a key factor.
Lessons must be learned from these incidents and people need to be careful when alcohol is involved.”
In an update from the PSNI yesterday they revealed that the 21-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while both injured parties remain in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
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