LAST UPDATE | 14 Mar

A MAN HAS been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two women were stabbed at a house in Co Down this morning.

Shortly after 8.30am, the PSNI received a report that a man armed with two knives was attacking two women inside a property on Stream Street in Downpatrick.

A PSNI spokesperson said that the altercation spilled outside and one of the women, aged 35, was further violently assaulted in the back garden.

She sustained a serious knife wound to her neck and other lacerations to her head and face

PSNI officers were able to intervene and arrest the suspect.

The other woman, aged in her 50s, also sustained stab wounds.

Local Inspector Eamonn Campbell said both women were taken to hospital, one via air ambulance and one by road.

While their injuries are serious, they are not believed to be life threatening at this time.

The arrested man (26) has been taken into police custody and will be questioned on suspicion of a number of offences, including attempted murder.

The scene at Stream Street is currently being examined and the public is asked to avoid the area where possible.

The PSNI is also keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have any recorded footage which captured these events.

Colin McGrath, SDLP MLA for South Down, described the stabbing incident as “disturbing” and added that it has “caused much concern in the local community”.

“Thankfully they are not believed to be life threatening injuries,” said McGrath, “and I hope they can make a full and quick recovery.”

He also commended the quick response of police and emergency services and asked that the “PSNI is given space to carry out their enquiries”.

McGrath also urged anyone with any information to come forward.