The victim, who is aged in his 20’s, was taken to hospital where he is reported to be in a stable condition. A PSNI spokesperson said Bangor detectives are now appealing to the public for information about the stabbing attack. He said, “Police received a report at around 4.20am that several men had forced their way into a house in the area and stabbed the male occupant a number of times. “The occupant, aged in his 20's, was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.” Local elected representatives were united in their condemnation of this brutal attack, and North Down MP Sylvia Hermon led the call for anyone with information to assist the police investigation.
Callous
Lady Sylvia said, “I’m utterly disgusted that a number of men would gang up, during the small hours of an otherwise quiet Sunday morning, to break into a house to target and stab a young man. It’s cowardly and it’s callous. “The police deserve all the help they can get to quickly apprehend these thugs, and ensure they face the full force of the law.”
North Down Mayor Councillor Andrew Muir said, “I am shocked at the callous and violent nature of this attack. I hope the victim will be able to make a full recovery from his injuries. “Those responsible for this attack are dangerous individuals who must be urgently apprehended by the police. I would urge anybody who has any information about this stabbing to contact the police.” North Down MLA Gordon Dunne said, “‘I am shocked and appalled at this knife attack happening in Bangor. My sympathies go out to the victim and their family at this time. “The nature of this attack reinforces the need for visible on the ground policing in order to combat this type of crime and to help keep our streets safer in North Down. “Knife crime continues to be a problem throughout our communities and it is vital that steps are taken to reduce the risk of further criminal acts of this nature.”
North Down MLA Alex Easton said, “This is another horrific incident were a young man has been stabbed, this has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms and is barbaric; no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. “I would wish the man a speedy recovery, and would call for anyone with any information to pass this on to the PSNI so those involved can be brought before the courts.”
North Down DUP MLA Peter Weir said, “I am disgusted and appalled by news of a stabbing in Ballywalter Gardens in Bangor. “I completely condemn this brutal criminal act and it will repulse all right thinking people locally and beyond. While the facts are unclear as well as what is behind this attack, nothing can justify it. “I hope and pray that the victim will make a swift recovery. It is a sad indictment of the violence that is all too apparent within our society. “ I call upon anyone who any information on this dreadful crime to come forward to the Bangor police and ensure that the culprits face justice."
Councillor Wesley Irvine said, “I would unreservedly condemn the stabbing that took place at Ballywalter Gardens in the early hours of Sunday morning. “This was a vicious assault against a young man which highlights the danger of knives and has no place in society, I would call upon anyone with any information on what took place to pass it on to the PSNI.”
Appeal
Detectives are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information to contact them at CID in Bangor on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.