Police officer narrowly escapes serious injury after attempted stabbing at Antrim hospital

A 53-year-old man has been charged after a police officer narrowly avoided serious injury during an alleged stabbing attempt at a hospital in Antrim on Friday night.

The incident, which police say involved an attempt to seriously assault an officer with a long, sharp item, has resulted in the man being charged with a number of serious offences.

The officer escaped without suffering life-changing injuries, despite what police describe as an attempt to inflict significant harm.

Man charged with multiple offences

The 53-year-old has been charged with:

• Attempted grievous bodily harm with intent

• Assault on police

• Possession of an offensive weapon with intent

The charges relate to an incident that occurred at a hospital in Antrim on the night of Friday, 19 June.

The accused is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 22 June.

Serious allegations to be tested in court

The charges follow an incident in which it is alleged the man attempted to stab a police officer using a long, sharp item.

While the officer was able to avoid serious injury, the alleged attack has been treated as a serious assault on a member of the emergency services carrying out their duties.

Police have confirmed the charges and the case is now progressing through the courts.

Public Prosecution Service review to follow

As is standard procedure in Northern Ireland, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The review process will determine how the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

The defendant is expected to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where the allegations will be formally put before the court.

The case highlights the risks faced by police officers responding to incidents and carrying out their duties in hospitals and other public settings, with the full circumstances of the alleged attack now set to be examined through the courts.