7th July 2009

Stabbing condemnation

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down and member of the Policing Board Leslie Cree has condemned the stabbing of an 18-year-old man during an assault in Bangor on Sunday afternoon.

"It is chilling to hear of yet another incident in which an individual has been stabbed. Horrifyingly, such assaults are becoming almost commonplace.

"While glad to hear that the young man is in a stable condition, we are all too aware of how this could have ended.

"The number of incidents involving the use of knives is surging ever-upwards, with over 160 more offences committed in 2008 than in 2007.

"There were 263 instances in the 2008/09 period in which a knife or sharp instrument was used to wound with intent, 44 attempted murders and eight murders. These are staggering figures.

"This is clearly a very real problem which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Knives are lethal weapons and young people must be made aware of the dangers and the consequences of their use – both for them and for their victim.