Man arrested on attempted murder suspicion after Co Antrim stabbing at motorcycle event

A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of a man during a motorcycle event in Carrickfergus earlier this week.

Detectives investigating the violent incident, which happened during the “Storming the Castle” bike meet on Wednesday night, confirmed the arrest was made following a search operation in the Newtownabbey area on Saturday.

The stabbing, which happened in the Rodgers Quay area near Carrickfergus Castle shortly after 7.30pm, left one man in hospital with stab wounds to his chest and injuries to his head.

The attack shocked many within the local biking community, with the regular event widely regarded as a peaceful social gathering attracting bikers and families from across East Antrim and beyond.

Police confirm arrest following search operation

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said police have now detained a suspect in connection with the investigation.

“A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, following a search in the Newtownabbey area on Saturday, 30th May,” he said.

“He has been taken into custody and will be interviewed in due course.”

Police enquiries remain ongoing as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The PSNI previously said the suspect fled the scene on the back of a motorbike following the altercation.

Community shaken after violence at popular event

The incident prompted widespread concern locally given the reputation of the “Storming the Castle” event as a family-friendly gathering which generally passes off without incident.

TUV East Antrim chairman Wes Stephenson previously described himself as “deeply concerned” by the stabbing, while Alliance Party Councillor Aaron Skinner urged anyone with information to contact police.

Event organisers also stressed that the violence did not reflect the values of the wider biking community and thanked emergency responders and members of the public who assisted at the scene.

Appeal for information continues

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings and mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the attack.

Anyone who can assist police is asked to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1557 of 27/05/26.

Reports can also be submitted online using the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.uk

The arrested man remains in police custody as enquiries continue into the stabbing.