Man arrested following reported knife attack

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including threats to kill and assault on police, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police arrived in Northwick Drive in north Belfast on Monday after receiving an emergency call just before 01:40 BST reporting a knife attack involving three men, and violent threats made toward two women.

A man, believed to have been involved in the altercation, drove into a police vehicle as he attempted to leave the area on a motorbike.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Insp Montgomery said that “officers were able to catch up with the man, who did not comply with instruction and became aggressive”.

A number of officers were assaulted, but were able to remain on duty.

“In order to reduce the risk of injury, and mindful that the man was alleged to have been involved in a knife attack, officers had to deploy an incapacitant spray in order to calm the situation.”

The man was arrested on suspicion of a number offences including possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, aggravated vehicle taking and driving away, and threats to kill and assault on police.

He remains in custody.

Insp Montgomery added that they do not believe anyone involved “sustained serious injury”, and police have appealed for information.