Police searching for a suspect after three women were stabbed and two others assaulted in Belfast

Updated 21 minutes ago

THE NORTHERN IRELAND POLICE has requested information about assaults on five women in Belfast in a two hour period last night.

The PSNI believes that a suspected man, who was seen cycling in the area, is responsible for the incidents.

Three women were stabbed in separate incidents and two other women were beaten while walking in Belfast last night.

Police are requesting information on the incidents, which occurred within two hours.

The five women are between 19 and 22 years old.

The first incident occurred at approximately 8:10 pm on Ormeau Avenue. The second occurred at approximately 9 p.m. in Donegall Square West. The third occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on University Road.

The three women were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police were informed of a fourth incident in which a woman was punched in the neck on Upper Lisburn Road, near Dunluce Avenue, around 9:00 pm, and police believe this was carried out by herself. man.

A fifth incident was reported this morning in which a man on a bicycle hit a woman in the head on Dublin Road around 8.55pm last night, and police believe this report may be related to the other four incidents .

The male suspect in dark clothing, possibly a hooded shirt, is described riding a mountain bike that may have a light-colored frame and reflectors on the spokes. Police believe the man may have been wearing a black mask.

At a press conference today at Musgrave Police Station, Belfast Area Coordinator Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: these incidents.

“They were scary random attacks for these young women, but fortunately incidents like this are extremely rare.”

Walls said he wanted “to reassure the community that officers will be conducting additional patrols through the city center and will do whatever they can to arrest this man.”

Currently, detectives are conducting extensive CCTV investigations in relevant areas of the city and are appealing to drivers who were in these areas at the times in question to review dash cam footage, and to owners in relevant areas to have your CCTV checked.

Police have called on anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or anyone with dash cam footage to contact police on Lisburn Road at non-emergency number 101, citing the reference numbers 1886; 1943 and 2122 12/10/20, or submit a report online.

Individuals can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online.